The
Aldridge sawmill was built by Hal Aldridge in 1905. In 1906 a railway
(Burr's Ferry, Browndel & Chester Railway) built a spur to the
mill, resulting in the town's development. By 1911 the town had a
hotel, commissary, warehouses, offices and numerous residences. Later
that year the original mill burned and was replaced by a new mill
using hand poured concrete. The new mill produced 125,000 board feet
daily. In 1918 Kirby Lumber Co. bought the mill and continued to run
it on a limited basis until 1923 when it was closed. The town was
abandoned by 1927 and the site was acquired by the US Forest Service
in 1935. Various concrete foundations, millpond and railroad tram
are the only evidence of the town's brief existence.
Hours:
Park Hours subject to change; call for updated information.
Contact:
Angelina National Forest 111 Walnut Ridge Rd. Zavalla,
TX 75980
The
Aldridge sawmill was built by Hal Aldridge in 1905. In 1906 a railway
(Burr's Ferry, Browndel & Chester Railway) built a spur to the
mill, resulting in the town's development. By 1911 the town had a
hotel, commissary, warehouses, offices and numerous residences. Later
that year the original mill burned and was replaced by a new mill
using hand poured concrete. The new mill produced 125,000 board feet
daily. In 1918 Kirby Lumber Co. bought the mill and continued to run
it on a limited basis until 1923 when it was closed. The town was
abandoned by 1927 and the site was acquired by the US Forest Service
in 1935. Various concrete foundations, millpond and railroad tram
are the only evidence of the town's brief existence.