Historical Marker

Trinidad Independent School District

Historical marker location:
105 West Eaton Street, Trinidad, Texas
( From Hwy 31 East; travel to Horton Circle taking right turn; left on Park Street; right on West Front Street; left onto McEntire Rd; then turn right onto West Easton St.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" without post

TRINIDAD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

THE TOWN OF TRINIDAD WAS FIRST KNOWN AS TRINITY SWITCH BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION ON THE TRINITY RIVER. IN 1880, WHEN RESIDENTS APPLIED FOR A POST OFFICE, THE NAME WAS CHANGED TO TRINIDAD SINCE THERE WAS ANOTHER LOCATION BY THE SAME NAME. TRINIDAD’S FIRST SCHOOL OPENED IN 1888 IN A SMALL LOG HUT LOCATED ON THE N. ADDISON SURVEY THAT IS NOW KNOWN AS THE TRINIDAD CEMETERY. ONE YEAR LATER, THE TRINIDAD AND MANKIN SCHOOL DISTRICTS BUILT A LOG SCHOOL ABOUT ONE MILE NORTH OF TOWN KNOWN AS THE GADBERRY SCHOOL. IN 1894, THE TWO DISTRICTS DIVIDED AND THE TRINIDAD COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 WAS FORMED. SCHOOL WAS HELD IN A ONE-ROOM BUILDING ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE OLD CALVARY CHURCH. AROUND 1903, A NEW BUILDING WAS ERECTED THAT SERVED AS A SCHOOL AND THE METHODIST CHURCH. BY 1912, ENROLLMENT OUTGREW THE BUILDING AND LOTS WERE PURCHASED WHERE A THREE-ROOM SCHOOL WAS BUILT WITH SINGLE DESKS FOR THE STUDENTS, JACKETED STOVES AND A LARGE CLOAK ROOM.

IN 1925, THE TP&L POWER PLANT OPENED IN TRINIDAD AND THE NEED FOR A LARGER SCHOOL BECAME EVIDENT. THE TRINIDAD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT WAS FORMED BY THE 39TH LEGISLATURE AND, A YEAR LATER, THE NEW SCHOOL OPENED WITH K.B. ADAIR ELECTED AS THE SUPERINTENDENT. DURING THE LATE 1940s, PARENTS ORGANIZED THE PTA AND OPERATED SCHOOL HEALTH CLINICS. A GYMNASIUM WAS ADDED IN 1952. UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF COACH LEONARD ROLLINS, TRINIDAD WON THE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN FOOTBALL IN 1954. THE SCHOOL BOARD INTEGRATED TRINIDAD SCHOOLS IN 1965 FOR GRADES ONE THROUGH TWELVE. FOR OVER A CENTURY, TRINIDAD SCHOOLS HAVE EDUCATED AND FOSTERED THE YOUTH OF HENDERSON COUNTY.

(2012)

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.

Education
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Texas random facts
Henderson County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. The land became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was formally organized as Henderson County in 1846, named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas.

In the mid-19th century, Henderson County experienced a significant influx of settlers, mainly from the southern United States. These settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, taking advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate to grow crops such as cotton, corn, and vegetables. The first county seat was established in Athens, which remains the county seat to this day.

During the Civil War, Henderson County, like much of the South, was affected by the conflict. Although there were no significant battles fought in the area, the war had a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Many men from Henderson County enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the war's aftermath brought significant challenges and changes to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Henderson County continued to thrive, with the agricultural industry playing a pivotal role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing opportunities for trade. Over time, other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare also emerged. Today, Henderson County remains a vibrant community, preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress and growth.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Henderson County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Henderson County established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850 - First census conducted, showing a population of 1,714.
  • 1851 - Athens becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Henderson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - Cotton production becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1902 - The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1930s-1940s - Henderson County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Cross Lake Dam and the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fish Hatchery and Fish Experiment Station.
  • 1960s-1970s - Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake are created, attracting tourism and real estate development.
  • 1987 - The Henderson County Courthouse is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt and restored.
  • 2000 - The population of Henderson County reaches 73,277.
  • 2019 - Henderson County celebrates its 173rd anniversary since establishment.