Our History

A Brief History of Texas Township

Texas Township was established in 1837, created from portions of Dyberry Township in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains along the Lackawaxen River, the township has a rich heritage shaped by its natural beauty, industrious settlers, and the world-renowned Dorflinger Glass Works.

From its founding through the golden age of American glass manufacturing and into the present day, Texas Township has maintained its rural character while preserving the landmarks and traditions that define its identity. The township sits within Wayne County, which holds the distinction of having more lakes than any other county in Pennsylvania, and the community of White Mills is recognized as a designated Heritage Community along PA Route 6.

Historic view of White Mills and the Dorflinger Glass Works
Scenic landscape of Texas Township along the Lackawaxen River

Texas Township Timeline

Key milestones in the history of Texas Township, from its founding to the present day.

  • Log cabin representing 19th-century Pennsylvania settlement

    Texas Township Established

    Texas Township was officially created from portions of Dyberry Township in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Situated in the Pocono Mountains along the Lackawaxen River, the new township provided local governance for the growing community of settlers in the region. In 1844, Cherry Ridge Township was later formed from portions of Texas and Canaan Townships.

  • Cut crystal glassware representing the Dorflinger Glass Works

    Dorflinger Glass Works Founded

    Christian Dorflinger, who purchased land in the area in 1862, began construction of his glass factory by 1865. The Dorflinger Glass Works grew into one of the finest crystal manufacturers in America, producing exquisite cut lead crystal that graced White House tables. The factory complex expanded to include over 100 worker houses, creating a thriving company town at White Mills.

  • Vast industrial building representing the end of an era

    Glass Works Closes & Legacy Preserved

    The Dorflinger Glass Works closed its doors in 1921, ending an era of world-class crystal production in White Mills. The legacy of the factory lives on through its historic buildings and the community it built. In 1978, the Eugene Dorflinger Estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.

  • The Dorflinger Glass Museum in White Mills today

    A Living Heritage

    Today, Texas Township preserves its rich history while embracing the future. The Dorflinger Factory Museum, opened circa 2017, showcases the artistry of Dorflinger crystal. The Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary protects approximately 600 acres of natural land. Indian Orchard River Access provides a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft on the Lackawaxen River, and White Mills continues to thrive as a Heritage Community along PA Route 6.

Historical Highlights

Notable places and landmarks that tell the story of Texas Township.

Collection of antique glass vessels representing the Dorflinger Factory Museum
Heritage

Dorflinger Factory Museum

Preserving the legacy of Christian Dorflinger and the world-class crystal that was produced at White Mills for over five decades.

Forest trail at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary
Nature

Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary

Approximately 600 acres of preserved natural land offering trails, wildlife habitat, and a connection to the area's ecological heritage.

Small historic village representing White Mills
Community

White Mills Heritage Community

A designated Heritage Community along PA Route 6, White Mills preserves its historic character as the village built around the Dorflinger Glass Works.