Historical Marker

Grange Hall Community

Historical marker location:
Fairfield vicinity, Texas
( 4 miles north of Fairfield on IH-45, 1.5 miles north on CR 1140)
Marker installed: 2001
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Settlement of this community began in the 1850s, about the time the Texas legislature created Freestone County out of Limestone County. Early settlers included the Smith, Claypool, Henderson, Wooldridge, Kennedy, Lemmon, Manahan, Cannon, Carroll, Ward, Freeman, York, Willard, Tate, Baker and Johnson families. They were primarily farming families who became active in the Texas State Grange movement, which began in 1873 with nearby resident Joseph Burton Johnson serving as first master of the statewide organization.

Originally known as Pin Oak, the community eventually came to be called Grange Hall. In keeping with its overall mission to offer cooperative farming pursuits, social contacts for farm families and educational opportunities, the Pin Oak Grange acquired three acres of land in 1877 on which the members built a two-story lodge hall and school. They used the upper story of the building for Grange activities, with the lower floor serving as a public school and as a worship space for the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (organized in 1879).

In 1886 the Grange conveyed the land and building to the school trustees for church and school purposes. Soon thereafter the organization became inactive, and about 1908 the upper floor of the Grange hall was removed. After the building burned in 1929, the Pin Oak School joined the Fairfield school district. The building was reconstructed in 1937 and served the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church until the congregation became inactive in the early 1980s. (2001)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Texas random facts
Freestone County, located in central-east Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was home to various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Caddo, and Tonkawa, before European settlement. The arrival of Spanish explorers and later American settlers in the 19th century greatly impacted the area and shaped its history.

In the early 1800s, the region was a part of the Spanish province of Tejas, and later became a part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. The first American settlers arrived in the area in the early 1830s, and the region became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836. During this time, the county was primarily used for farming and ranching, with cotton becoming an important cash crop.

The county was officially established in 1850 and named after James Freestone, who fought in the Texas Revolution. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and communities such as Fairfield and Teague were established as agricultural centers. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad further bolstered the county's economy and facilitated transportation and commerce.

In the 20th century, Freestone County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression, but managed to recover with the help of government programs and the establishment of manufacturing industries. Today, the county continues to be an agricultural region known for its fertile soils, producing a variety of crops including cotton, corn, and sorghum. It also boasts a rich natural heritage, with attractions such as Fairfield Lake State Park attracting visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Freestone County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
  • 1846 - Freestone County is established
  • Late 1800s - County experiences growth in population and agriculture
  • 1893 - Texas State Railroad extends into Freestone County, boosting transportation and commerce
  • Mid-1900s - County sees advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare
  • 1980s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
  • Present - Freestone County continues to thrive as a rural community, known for agriculture and outdoor recreation