Rison is located in
Cleveland County. The Texas and St. Louis Railroad gave rise to the small town.
The town was incorporated in 1890 with J. T. Renfrow as mayor.
The railroad remained
instrumental to the town for decades. The economy depended on the production of
cotton, lumber, and a variety of wood products.
Three cotton gins operated
in and around town and residents owned and operated a dozen or more sawmills. During
World War II, many residents
secured war-related jobs in nearby towns. Today, no cotton or large-scale
farming takes place the county.