Hubbard

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. You're rolling through Hill County now, and the town you're passing through has a story worth knowing. The town of Hubbard.

Founded in 1881 as a shipping center and supply point on the St. Louis and Southwestern Railway. That's a solid foundation for a town, sitting right on the line where goods move and money follows.

But the name, now the name carries some weight. Hubbard was named for Richard B. Hubbard, born 1832, died 1901.

And this was not a man who did things halfway. He served as a colonel in the 22nd Texas Infantry during the Civil War. Then, if that wasn't enough, he became Governor of Texas, serving from 1876 to 1879.

And then, and here's where the story takes a turn most people don't expect, he went on to serve as United States Minister to Japan from 1885 to 1889. Colonel. Governor.

Diplomat across the Pacific. The man covered some ground. So did his town.

Hubbard grew into a banking and market town. And it has mineral waters. There's something almost fitting about that last detail.

A town named for a man who moved through war, statesmanship, and diplomacy, sitting quietly on top of mineral waters. Hill County has always known how to keep a secret worth finding.

What the marker says

Founded 1881, as a shipping center and supply point on the St. Louis and Southwestern Railway. Named for Richard B. Hubbard (1832-1901), colonel in the 22nd Texas Infantry during the Civil War; Texas Governor 1876-1879; United States Minister to Japan 1885-1889. Banking and market town. Has mineral waters.