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When the Butterfield Overland Mail passed through Wise County and beyond in 1858-1861, crossing the West Fork of the Trinity River was a necessity. Colonel W.H. Hunt obtained a charter to build a toll bridge constructed of cottonwood timbers. However this bridge soon collapsed. By this time a small settlement had begun at this crossing. Charles D. Cates, a Decatur merchant, constructed an iron bridge. It is assumed that the town of Bridgeport got its name because it served as a port for those traveling up and down the river. Bridgeport soon became a bustling community. The original water well for the town has recently been discovered.
While drilling a water well, Mr. Cates struck rich vein of coal sixty feet below the earth's surface. Unknown to him at that time this would be the forerunner of an industry that supported the town of Bridgeport for about forty years. The Wise County Coal Company was chartered August 23, 1882, by C. D. Crates, J.C. Carpenter, J.H. Halsell, J.J. Long, Sam Levy, Henry Greathouse, J.M. Holmes, and Dan Waggoner. In 1900, the firm was purchased by Colonel William H. Ashton of Virginia who changed the name to Bridgeport Coal Co. which employed five hundred employees at its peak. In 1929, the mine closed due to the increase of oil an gas. During this time the town moved one mile east.
With the closing of the mines, many people left, but some stayed and worked at the brick pant, rock crusher and railroad. The very last mine, the Singleton Mine, closed in 1942. Even though the mines are gone, coal remains buried under the town of Bridgeport.
The Rock Island Railroad built to this point in 1893. A second line was laid to connect Bridgeport with Jacksboro in 1898. The town moved once again but retained its historical name.
The North Fort of the Trinity River flooded periodically causing loss of property and crops from Bridgeport on down stream. In 1929 Tarrant County Water Control constructed a dam across the Trinity River west of Bridgeport forming beautiful Lake Bridgeport. Many homes are adjacent to it today.
Beginning in the 50's oil and gas became big business in Bridgeport. This brought a surge to the population of Bridgeport. Land was leased, wells were drilled, the product was refined - the economy boomed.
Bridgeport remains a small town of approximately 5000 citizens. Bridgeport is known for its 3A school and its academic excellence. Many churches are scattered throughout town. The community has numerous fine services and civic organizations. Two of these are the Bridgeport Historical Society an the Bridgeport Heritage Museum. Both of these strive to preserve the history of this beautiful quaint but prosperous town.
We hope you'll come to visit or reside in Bridgeport, learn the history and make history of your own.
Virginia Wood.
Copyright © 2006 Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
