Editing Cameron, Texas (section)

===Incorporation and growth===
In 1881, the [[Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway]] arrived in Cameron. This improved the local economy and led to population growth. Between 1878 and 1884, the total number of residents increased by 60%, from around 500 to 800.<ref name="Texas Handbook"/> Cameron had attempted to incorporate in 1856, 1866, and 1873, but each time the charter was allowed to lapse. It was officially incorporated in 1889.<ref name="Kubiak"/> The  [[San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway]] arrived in 1890, giving the town another boost. By 1892, the population stood at nearly 2,000.

Although cotton dominated the economy of Cameron during the 19th century, the 20th century brought more diversified industries. The discovery of oil in neighboring [[Williamson County, Texas|Williamson County]] in 1915 prompted Milam County residents to initiate their own exploration. The Minerva-Rockdale oil field, discovered in 1921, provided new opportunities for investment.<ref name="Texas Handbook"/> In the 1920s and 1930s, several milk-product companies also operated in Cameron, including the Kraft-Phenix Cheese Corporation.<ref name="Kubiak"/> At the [[United States Census, 1930|1930 census]], the population was 4,565. That figure rose to 5,040 in 1940.