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Dayton, Texas is located in the southwestern part of Liberty County, on US Highway 90. At first, the town was called West Liberty, and was a part of the town of Liberty for many years. The Trinity River divides Liberty, and eventually, the western side of the town was renamed Dayton.

The original town of Liberty was founded in 1831 on land that was granted by the Mexican government. The land had originally been intended for use as the capital of Santisima Trinidad de la Libertad, and eventually the town became known as just Liberty.

West Liberty had its own post office for a town, which was run by A. Thouvenin, who is thought to have been the Arnold Thouvenin that had purchased a quarter league of land in Polk County in 1835. The post office was eventually discontinued after running for a few years.

A schoolhouse was built in 1853, and that year A.N.B. Thompson received permission to survey and plat West Liberty. It was near this time, around 1854, that West Liberty became known as Day’s Town, after I.C. Day who was a wealthy landowner in the town. The Texas and New Orleans Railroad built a flag stop in Day’s Town in 1860, and it was known as Dayton Station, Days Station and West Liberty Station for a time.

By 1877, a new post office was built and the name Dayton was used. West Liberty was still the official name of the town and it remained so until the middle of the 1880’s. By 1890, there were over 239 residents, a school and two churches as well as the post office that had remained in operation.

Rice was first introduced as a crop in the area when James E. Berry built a drainage system that made it possible to grow rice. Before this time, the main products produced in the area were cattle from local ranches. Future Texas governor Marion Price Daniel Sr. was born in Dayton in 1910. At this time there were over 2,500 residents, a weekly paper, a bank and two cotton gins.

The discovery of oil in the area led to increased prosperity, but the population declined somewhat by 1940 to around 1,200 residents. At this time, Dayton was still listed as being a railroad center. The population gradually increased over the years and the last estimate, in 1990, put the number of residents at around 5,151.

If you enjoy history, there are many of different historical sites throughout Dayton and in nearby Liberty. Liberty County is rich in Texas history and you’ll be able to learn interesting and lesser known facts about the area quickly.

The location of Dayton has made it a prime spot for apartment dwellers, especially those who commute to Houston. It is a quiet community that has hung on through the years, preparing a solid future for many years to come.

If you are interested in an apartment in Houston, feel free to contact us.