Ever wonder just what exactly is on the hundreds of historical markers which dot every town and community in the state of Texas? Well, Hardin County has its fair share of historical markers which highlight local and state history that occurred when the county was young.

Recently the Hardin County Historical Commission issued a pamphlet which describes each historical marker in the county and the history behind each one. Along with more details, the pamphlet gives information on how to find each historical marker for those that are interested in an up close and personal observation.

Information for the pamphlet was compiled and written by local resident Lyn Herron. The pamphlets can be found at local offices of the Chamber of Commerce and in the guest office at the Village Creek State Park.

There are 24 historical markers featured in the little pamphlet. With pamphlet in hand, visitors and locals alike could spend the day checking out the historical significance of Hardin County and get a good eye full of the beautiful country scenery.

Featured in the pamphlet are already popular sites in Hardin County such as the Kirby-Hill House in Kountze, and the Silsbee Ice Plant. Other spots featured include:

• Discovery Well -- Site of the first oil well in Hardin County. Brought in by four Hooks brothers in 1901. The ensuing boom town was first called New Sour Lake, but later named Saratoga (near the town of Saratoga on Farm-to-Market Road 770 North).
• Hooks Cemetery -- Established in the 1850's by Hardin County pioneers William and Martha Hooks for use by the family and other residents of the area. Still used today by descendants (Located between Lumberton and Kountze on U.S. 69)
• Kaiser Burnout -- Site of the many tales and legends that surround the attempt to flush out the "Jayhawkers", locals who had decided not to fight with the confederacy, by setting fire to the woods around their Big Thicket camp (Located North FM 943 near county line. Marker is currently missing).