Wortham Schools
The first recorded school in the town of Wortham was a two-story frame structure built in the 1870s by the Masonic Lodge and local Methodist church. The Masons provided supplies and textbooks; ministers served as teachers.
The first public school opened in 1883 in a one-room building; Professor Miller and Mrs. Thyrsia Garrison served as the first teachers. A two-story frame building was built in 1890, and in 1891 Wortham became the first independent school district in Freestone County. In 1902 the school building was destroyed and replaced by a brick structure with a bell tower.
New facilities were built in 1922 to accommodate increased enrollment. The discovery of oil around Wortham in 1924 caused the town of 1,000 to swell to 20,000 almost overnight. The impact on the school was immediate; one classroom of 18 pupils increased to 84 in a four-day period.
Through the years several rural community schools were annexed to and consolidated with the Wortham school system. In 1966 the F. W. Wheeler School for African American students merged with the main Wortham schools. Buildings were renovated and new structures were added to serve the district. (1997)
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.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
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.
Freestone County Timeline
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