Photo by David PollanTrader Joseph Mink, who was likely a supplier of beef to the Texas army, settled present-day Magnolia in 1845. The settlement bore the name Mink Prairie, in his honor. Its name was officially shortened to Mink by 1885, when the Mink Post Office opened. The town later attempted to change its name to Melton. However, the Post Office would not recognize the name, as there was already a Milton, Texas, nearby. Instead, the town was officially renamed Magnolia in 1903 because of the abundance of magnolia trees in the area at the time.
"There are different versions of why the town was named Magnolia," said Celeste Graves, treasurer of the Magnolia Historical Society. "There were an awful lot of magnolia trees out in the woods, and it seems to be the common thought that it was named for the magnolia trees."
In 1901, the railroad first cut through the area. Magnolia's farmers saw the opportunity to ship their crops, including cotton and sweet potatoes, more quickly and efficiently. The town relocated one and a half miles to its present-day location to have more convenient access to the railroad. In addition to its commercial benefits, the railroad allowed Magnolia's residents to travel more easily and frequently into Houston.
The railroad depot opened in 1902. W.J. Gayle, Graves' father, was one of the early depot agents. Gayle was the longest-serving depot agent in Magnolia's history and held the position from 1912–40.
During the first decade of the 20th century, Magnolia saw its first two general merchandise stores open. These stores allowed Magnolia residents to purchase a wide range of goods locally.
"They handled everything from food to coffins," Graves said.
The Baptist and Methodist churches that were originally formed in Mink followed the town when it relocated closer to the railroad. Events and revivals held by these churches helped bring the town's residents together.
"They had revivals, where they had a big tent," Graves said. "It would be Baptists, Methodists and anyone else who wanted to attend. It was amazing."
Magnolia's first official high school graduation took place in 1911. The first school building was on Old Goodson Road. Before it was built, students attended classes run from people's homes.
In 1941, Magnolia received electricity for the first time, Graves said.
Magnolia was an unincorporated town for most of its early history. In 1968, residents voted to become an incorporated city and elected Cedric Smith as the first mayor.
Magnolia timeline
1845: Magnolia is settled by Joseph Mink and is called Mink Prairie
1885: Present-day Magnolia is officially named Mink, Texas
1901: The railroad began coming through, and Mink relocated closer to the railroad to allow the farmers to ship their cotton and sweet potatoes more easily
1902: The railroad depot opens
1903: The city's name is officially changed to Magnolia, Texas
1911: The first Magnolia High School graduation takes place
1968: Magnolia is officially incorporated
1993: Magnolia Historical Society is founded
