Welcome to Marlin, a locality rich in history and heritage. As the county seat of Falls County, Marlin sits at the intersection of State highways 6 and 7, just a few miles from the Brazos River. Originally the site of Sarahville de Viesca, established in 1834, the town was named in honor of John Marlin, a pioneer patriot who played a vital role in Texas’ early settlement.
Marlin’s journey began with Zenas Bartlett’s General Store, the first business in the area, which also served as a school and eventually became the city hall. By 1851, the community had grown enough to establish a post office, with John W. Jarvis, a former teacher and the sheriff, appointed as postmaster. The arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in 1871 marked a significant turning point, tripling the town’s population within a decade.
In an unexpected twist of fate in 1892, while searching for an artesian well, hot mineral water was discovered. This discovery transformed Marlin into a renowned health center, attracting visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of its mineral baths. Establishments like the Bethesda Bathhouse and Majestic Bathhouse sprung up, and the town’s economy thrived on this newfound fame for over fifty years.
Dr. Frank H. Shaw’s clinic, built in 1925, provided innovative treatments for handicapped children using the mineral-rich water, further cementing Marlin’s reputation as a healing destination. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression and the closure of the clinic post-World War II, Marlin’s legacy as a health haven remains an integral part of its story.
Today, as you explore Marlin, you’ll find remnants of its vibrant past interwoven with modern developments, offering a glimpse into a town that has continually adapted while honoring its roots.
