History:

Martindale was established in 1855 by George and Nancy Martindale who moved to Texas from Mississippi. Their search for a new home ended here, and thanks to their vision and generosity, a new community was born.

Four other Mississippi families joined George and Nancy. The Ellisons, Jennings, Crunks and Humphreys all headed south to call Martindale their home.

As the town grew, merchants opened their doors downtown. Hardy Crook and B.F. Harper owned mercantiles. “Miss Nancy’s” grandson, George Norman Martindale, owned and operated the Martindale Mercantile Company as well as Merchant-Planters Bank on Main Street.

Agriculture played a major role in the development of Martindale. By 1949, the Harpers and the Bagleys supplied over 65 percent of the hybrid seed corn and a large percentage of the pedigreed cottonseed produced in Texas.

Nearly 150 years ago, these pioneers provided a strong foundation for our city. And even though Martindale has changed over the years, at least one thing still remains the same. Today, just as it was in 1855 — Martindale, Texas is a quiet little town resting on the banks of the San Marcos river.