Acme Brick Company established its original plant here in 1891 as the first manufacturer in Texas to make high grade pressed brick. It was founded by industrial pioneer George Bennett (1852-1907), who developed coal mining and other natural resources, and the plant was located here because of large deposits of shale near the Brazos River. A community named Bennett grew up around the plant, with a dormitory and store. The kilns were fired with local fuel, first coal and then wood, and brick were shipped by mule-drawn wagons or the nearby Texas & Pacific Railroad. Before its 75th anniversary in 1966, Acme had become the largest maker of face brick in the United States.