Gladewater was founded in 1873 and was incorporated on March 19, 1931 after two previous attempts had failed, including one in 1873. Its incorporation followed the discovery of oil and the need for an organized form of government. The city operated with a commission form of government until 1955, when it changed to a city manager form. B.F. Phillips was the first mayor and served from 1931 to 1932, and Lee Vickers was the first city manager and served from 1955 to 1959.