Texana was founded in 1834 by Dr. F. F. Wells, a personal friend of Stephen F. Austin. It served as the county seat of Jackson County from 1835 to 1883 and was the old home of Capt. Clark L. Owen, known for Civil War fame. In Jackson County, the Methodist Church was first organized here in 1838, the Masonic Lodge in 1852, and the Presbyterian Church in 1855.