A Brief History of Upshur County

"A Brief History of Upshur County" by G. H. Baird is a historical narrative which recounts the story of Upshur County, Texas, from its early days as a wild frontier to its development as a growing community. Baird chronicles the lives and challenges faced by the first settlers, the interactions with Indigenous peoples like the Caddo and Cherokee, and the significant events that molded the region. The book begins by illustrating the stark contrast between the untamed wilderness and the progress that followed, highlighting the pioneers’ simple lives in log cabins, their reliance on natural resources, and the communal spirit that defined their existence. Baird's work serves as a record of the founding families, economic growth, and the gradual evolution of both the county and its central town, Gilmer.