Historical Marker

Moore School

Historical marker location:
Moore School Rd., Big Spring, Texas
( From Big Spring take US 87 north about 5 miles. Turn west onto Moore School Road, drive about one mile to marker, behind fence.)
Marker installed: 1986
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1906 a group of pioneers arrived on the frontier north of Big Spring to take advantage of rancher Sid Moore's offer to sell land to farmers. Four acres were set aside, and a one-room school was built in 1906. The first school term, with one teacher and fifteen students, lasted six months. A second teacher was hired in 1908, and a curtain was used to partition the classrooms. Both school and community were named in honor of Moore. The school became the center of community activities, and on one occasion a double wedding was held on the front steps. The school trustees, besides serving as administrators, took care of repairs and maintenance work. A residence for teachers was added in 1933, and a 1934 bond election provided funds to enlarge the school and build a gymnasium. The school and community experienced some hard times, and the year 1917 is remembered as one of the worst. Young men were lost to World War I, and an influenza epidemic devastated the community. On February 26, 1945, the school and adjoining buildings were destroyed by fire. The school was never rebuilt, and the district was discontinued and partitioned as required by the Gilmer-Aiken School Law in 1949.

Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

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 settlements
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Texas random facts
Howard County, Texas was officially established on August 21, 1876, named after Volney Erskine Howard, a prominent early settler. The area had previously been inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache. The arrival of Anglo settlers in the mid-19th century led to conflicts with these tribes, as well as the occasional raid by outlaws.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Howard County experienced a surge in population and development. Railroads played a crucial role in this growth, with several lines passing through the county, including the Texas and Pacific Railroad. These railroads not only brought people and goods to the area but also opened up opportunities for economic expansion, especially in agriculture and ranching.

The county's economy primarily relied on cotton during this period, with a significant number of cotton farms operating in Howard County. However, the agricultural sector faced several challenges, such as droughts and the Great Depression, which led to a decline in cotton production and a subsequent shift towards other types of farming.

In more recent years, Howard County has seen further diversification of its economy. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area led to an influx of energy companies, which provided jobs and contributed to the county's economic growth. Today, Howard County remains an important center for oil and gas production in Texas, while also cultivating a growing healthcare and tourism industry.

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

  • 1876 - Howard County is officially organized and named after Volney E. Howard, a Texas congressman.
  • 1877 - The first post office is established in the county.
  • 1890 - The population of Howard County reaches 862 residents.
  • 1907 - The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway is completed, passing through Howard County.
  • 1927 - Howard County experiences a major oil boom, leading to increased economic growth.
  • 1942 - Big Spring Army Air Force Bombardier School is established in Howard County during World War II.
  • 1953 - The construction of the Big Spring Airpark begins.
  • 1960 - The population of Howard County reaches its peak at around 35,000 residents.
  • 1980 - Howard County experiences another significant oil boom, contributing to economic prosperity.
  • 1998 - A tornado strikes Howard County, causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure.
  • 2010 - The population of Howard County stands at approximately 35,000 residents.