In 1900, a Texas State Railroad was built between Rusk and Palestine. This motivated people and businesses to settle near the rail line in new towns like Maydelle. This 1920 map of Cherokee County shows the railway line ending at Rusk. Heading west there are stops at Maydelle, Java, Mewshaw, Jarvis, and Crystal Lake. This area became part of I.D. Fairchild State Forest. In 1933, Cherokee County was selected for a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Maydelle. | Source: Texas Land Grant OfficeDownload Original File
