The town of Ratcliff was formed when a 32-wagon wagon train of
settlers arrived from Georgia around 1875. Jess H.
Ratcliff (1844-1920) built a sawmill about 1885, drawing more people.
The Post office opened 1889, with Ratcliff serving as postmaster,
and the town soon had several stores. Professional men included
Drs. H.L. McCall and Jake Jackson. In 1901 Ratcliff sold his mill
to Louisiana and Texas Lumber Co., then to Central Coal and Coke
Co.,creating a vast complex known as the 4C Mill. A feud between
the town and mill erupted when the mill tried in vain to develop
a company controlled town. While the town flourished in the early
1900's, reaching a peak population of 5,000, by 1920 the surrounding
120,000 acres of timber had been cut. Although many residents moved
away, the town received another economic boost in the 1930's when
the Davy Crockett National Forest was designated and the Civilian
Conservation Corps began the reforestation program. The development
of Ratcliff Lake and Recreation area also became an area tourist
attraction.
H.
Ratcliff (1844-1920) built a sawmill about 1885, drawing more people.
The Post office opened 1889, with Ratcliff serving as postmaster,
and the town soon had several stores. Professional men included
Drs. H.L. McCall and Jake Jackson. In 1901 Ratcliff sold his mill
to Louisiana and Texas Lumber Co., then to Central Coal and Coke
Co.,creating a vast complex known as the 4C Mill. A feud between
the town and mill erupted when the mill tried in vain to develop
a company controlled town. While the town flourished in the early
1900's, reaching a peak population of 5,000, by 1920 the surrounding
120,000 acres of timber had been cut. Although many residents moved
away, the town received another economic boost in the 1930's when
the Davy Crockett National Forest was designated and the Civilian
Conservation Corps began the reforestation program. The development
of Ratcliff Lake and Recreation area also became an area tourist
attraction.