Greenville city was founded in 1846 when first when hunt county was created. The city was named after Thomas J. Green, a significant contributor to the establishment of the Texas Republic. The high-quality cotton brought the railroads to Greenville, and the town became a rail hub with 6 railways. In the 1950s the Greenville was shifted from agriculture to industry, and the first industrial park was developed. Today, Greenville is a thriving community of over 28,000 that combines the best of hometown warmth with nearby big-city excitement and the natural beauty of East Texas. These amazing historical photographs from the 1880s and 1890s show what Greenville looked like in the late 19th century, capturing the residents’ everyday lives. Eddie Daniels donated these photos to the Greenville Library.