Corrigan largely emerged when the Houston East and West Texas Railway was completed in 1881; however, the area had seen some establishment of mills and farms prior to the railroad.

In the years following, the timber industry boomed in Corrigan due to the large pine trees native to the area and access to the railroad.

The timber industry led to churches, stores, hotels, gins, and other businesses opening in Corrigan.

The Corrigan economy began to diversify, which helped the community survive economic downturns that happened periodically in the timber industry.

However, the timber industry remained at the core of the Corrigan economy and shaped many of the town's social structures.

[5][6][7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km2), all land.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.