Nacogdoches County went through many changes in its fortunes over the years between 1854 and 1935, the years covered by this collection. In 1854, the “gateway to Texas” was no longer as important of a trading stop as it had once been. The county remained relatively prosperous, however, with small-scale farming as a primary industry. After the Civil War, the economy of the county took a downturn, and recovery from the war was slow. Many African Americans left seeking new opportunities, or set up their own communities in Freedom Colonies. Economic recovery did not kick into full gear until the arrival of the railroad in the city of Nacogdoches in 1882. No longer reliant on riverboat traffic, the lumber industry was now able to expand throughout the county, leading to greater economic benefits. More African Americans returned to the towns, especially Nacogdoches, as a result. By the turn of the century, the county was prosperous, and many new, brick buildings dotted downtown Nacogdoches. The Great Depression hit the county hard, but by 1935 preparations for the Texas Centennial were underway, with new buildings such as the Stone Fort Museum being planned to commemorate the history of this important town and county.