Longview history

Foundation and the Legend of the Name

The history of Longview began in 1870, when local landowner Ossamus Hitch Methvin sold 100 acres (approximately 40 hectares) of his land to representatives of the Southern Pacific Railroad. According to a popular urban legend, the city's name arose spontaneously. When Methvin stood on a rise (now known as Rock Hill) with the engineers, he admired the unfolding panorama and exclaimed: "What a long view!". This expression gave the future settlement its name.

Factors of Formation and Development

The appearance of the city on the map was directly linked to industrialisation and the expansion of the transport network in East Texas. Key factors for success included:

• Railway Mainline: Longview was designed as a strategic station. By 1871, it had become an important transport hub connecting the region with other parts of the state and the country.
• Geography and Resources: Its location amidst dense forests and fertile lands made the city a convenient centre for resource extraction and agriculture.
• Political Significance: Due to the rapid influx of population and economic activity, Longview soon became the administrative centre of the newly formed Gregg County.

Early Economy and Way of Life

In its early years, Longview developed as a bustling trading town. In May 1871, it was officially incorporated — occurring just a year after its founding, which testifies to the rapid pace of urbanisation.

The economic life of early Longview relied on two main directions: cotton cultivation and logging. Before the discovery of major oil deposits in the 20th century, these industries, along with railway maintenance, shaped the city's prosperity and defined its cultural identity as a labour and trade centre of the region.

Early Years and Establishment

• 1870: Ossamus Hitch Methvin sells 100 acres of land to railway representatives, which is considered the official date of the settlement's founding.
• 1871: Longview receives city status (incorporation) and becomes the administrative centre of the newly formed Gregg County.
• 1877: A devastating fire destroys most wooden structures in the centre, leading to the beginning of the construction of more durable brick buildings.
• 1882: The completion of the connection between two major railway lines transforms the city into a key transport hub for the region.

The Era of Oil and Industrialisation

• 1931: The discovery of the giant East Texas Oil Field a few miles (kilometres) from the city radically changes the economy, turning Longview into an industrial centre.
• 1942: Operation begins of the famous "Big Inch" pipeline, which transported oil from Longview to the US East Coast.
• 1946: Industrialist R.G. LeTourneau opens a heavy machinery manufacturing plant and founds a technical institute (now LeTourneau University).
• 1966: The Joseph Schlitz Company begins construction of a large manufacturing plant, creating new jobs.

Modern History and Culture

• 1978: The city hosts the "Great Texas Balloon Race" for the first time, becoming an annual tradition.
• 2013: The State Legislature officially designates Longview as the "Balloon Capital of Texas".
• 2014: Forbes magazine includes Longview in its list of the fastest-growing small cities in the US, noting its economic potential.

Key Milestones in the City's Development

Longview's history is a journey from a modest railway station to a major industrial and cultural centre of East Texas. Each of these events played a decisive role in shaping the modern appearance of the city.

• The Railway Start (1870s)
  The arrival of the Southern Pacific railway turned the rural area into a strategic logistics hub. This laid the foundation for the city's economy, allowing farmers and loggers to quickly send goods to markets, which ensured the initial influx of capital and population.
• Architectural Renewal (Late 19th Century)
  After the devastating fire of 1877, city authorities and businessmen decided to abandon wooden construction in the centre in favour of brick. This event not only improved safety but also formed the historic architectural look of Downtown, which tourists can see today.
• The Oil Shield (1930s)
  The discovery of the East Texas field at the height of the Great Depression was an economic miracle for Longview. While the entire country was experiencing a crisis, the city flourished: new buildings were constructed, banks were filled with funds, and the population grew rapidly thanks to jobs in oil production.
• Strategic Importance (1940s)
  The construction of the "Big Inch" pipeline during World War II made Longview a critically important point on the US energy map. This secured the city's status as the industrial leader of the region and attracted federal attention to local infrastructure development.
• LeTourneau's Technological Breakthrough (1946)
  The relocation of inventor and industrialist R.G. LeTourneau to the city diversified the economy. The opening of a heavy machinery plant and a technical institute (now a university) turned Longview into a centre of engineering thought and education, reducing reliance solely on raw resources.
• Cultural Branding (Since 1978)
  The launch of the "Great Texas Balloon Race" changed the city's image. From a strictly industrial centre, Longview transformed into a vibrant tourist spot, receiving the official title of "Balloon Capital of Texas", which annually attracts thousands of guests and stimulates the service sector.

Urban Development and Planning

The architectural appearance of Longview is inextricably linked to its history as a transport and industrial centre. The initial layout of the city was dictated by the railway: streets formed a strict grid oriented along the tracks, which is typical for American cities that emerged in the era of steam locomotives. Over time, the city expanded from the historic centre (Downtown) to the periphery, transforming from a compact trade hub into a sprawling agglomeration with distinct residential suburbs.

Architectural Eras and Styles

In Longview's development, several key stages can be traced, each leaving its mark on the appearance of the buildings:

• Late 19th — Early 20th Century (Victorian Style and Eclecticism):

  After the fire of 1877, wooden structures were replaced by durable brick buildings. The historic centre retains examples of commercial architecture from that time with decorative cornices and arched windows. In residential areas, such as Nugget Hill, one can find mansions in the Queen Anne and Neoclassical styles, reflecting the early prosperity of the local elite.

• 1930s (Art Deco and Streamline Moderne):

  The oil boom left the most striking architectural footprint. While much of the US suffered from the Great Depression, Longview experienced a construction boom. Buildings of this era are distinguished by geometric forms, vertical lines, and the use of bas-reliefs symbolising progress and industrial power.

• Mid-20th Century (International Style and Ranch):

  Post-war development brought functionalism. Single-storey "Ranch-style" houses appeared, becoming a symbol of American suburbia, as well as utilitarian industrial and educational buildings, such as the LeTourneau University campus.

Landmark Buildings and Districts

For tourists interested in architecture, the key points of attraction are:

• Gregg County Courthouse: Built in 1932, this building is a magnificent example of the Art Deco style. Strict geometric forms and stylised ornaments make it the dominant feature of the central square and a symbol of the city's oil prosperity.
• The Everett Building: A historic structure built in 1910. Originally designed in the Neoclassical style, it served as a bank and office centre, demonstrating the solidity and reliability of the financial system at the turn of the century.
• Nugget Hill Historic District: A residential area preserving a collection of historic homes that demonstrate the evolution of the tastes of wealthy citizens from the Victorian era to the mid-20th century.
• Downtown Longview: An area densely built with low-rise brick buildings, many of which have been restored and now house shops, museums, and restaurants, preserving the atmosphere of old Texas.

Notable Personalities of Longview

Longview has become the birthplace and home to many talented people who have achieved world recognition in the arts, sports, and industry. Here is a list of the most famous persons whose names are inextricably linked with the history of the city.

• Matthew McConaughey
  Actor, producer, Academy Award winner
  One of the most famous Hollywood actors of modern times spent his youth in Longview and graduated from the local secondary school (Longview High School) in 1988. In the school yearbook, he was voted "Most Handsome Student", which was a prophetic start to his stellar career.
• Forest Whitaker
  Actor, director, Academy Award winner
  An outstanding actor who received acclaim for his role in the film "The Last King of Scotland" was born in Longview. Although his family moved to California when he was a child, the city is proud of its native son who reached the heights of cinematic art.
• Robert Gilmore LeTourneau (R.G. LeTourneau)
  Industrialist, inventor, and philanthropist
  Although LeTourneau was not born in Longview, his influence on the city is colossal. Moving here in 1946, he opened an earthmoving machinery plant and founded a technical institute (now LeTourneau University). His inventions changed the construction industry worldwide.
• Miranda Lambert
  Country singer and songwriter
  Winner of multiple Grammy Awards and one of the most successful country artists of the 21st century was born in Longview. Her work often reflects the spirit and atmosphere of life in Texas.
• Karen Silkwood
  Chemist and union activist
  A native of Longview who became famous for her fight for occupational safety at nuclear facilities. Her mysterious death and the investigation into violations became the basis for the famous film "Silkwood" starring Meryl Streep.
• Trent Williams
  Professional American football player
  A graduate of Longview High School who became a star of the National Football League (NFL). He is considered one of the best offensive tackles of his generation and has been selected multiple times to participate in the "Pro Bowl" (all-star game).