History of Dawson

Dawson’s history is a short but an exciting one with the first settlers moving to the area in 1847, including Dawson’s future namesake Britton Dawson. Britton Dawson fought in the historic battle of San Jacinto earning his right to the land that he later donated for our city’s founding. It wasn’t until 1908 that our town was incorporated and officially called “Dawson”, only the second town to be established in Navarro County.  Through the years Dawson has seen several changes. Watching the railroad come in, seeing businesses flourish, our population soar and then the railroad leaving, causing the decline in market and our population. Then comes the rise of our very own Hollywood star Anjanette Comer and the crash of Braniff Flight 352, and the discovery of Dawson’s own “sea monster”.  There is 174 years of amazing history to be shared during Dawson’s Dawwg Days of Dawson, July 24^th. Come out and celebrate with us!  It will kick off with a Fire Department sponsored pancake breakfast followed by a car show, food and vendors and end with a street dance!