Historical Marker

Miller Grove School

Historical marker location:
7819 FM 275 South, Cumby, Texas
( 9 miles south of Cumby, near the corner of Farm to Market Road 275 South and Farm to Market Road 1567 West)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

MILLER GROVE SCHOOL

MILLER GROVE, SETTLED PRIOR TO THE FORMATION OF HOPKINS COUNTY, BOASTS ONE OF THE AREA’S EARLIEST SCHOOLS. COMMISSIONERS COURT RECORDS FROM 1856-57 LIST CHARLES J. PHILLIPS AS TEACHER FOR $65.78 PER TERM AT MILLER GROVE, ONE OF 23 COUNTY SCHOOLS. IN AUG. 1860, FRANKLIN MARRS DEEDED FIVE ACRES TO THOMAS PROCTOR, JAMES DANNELL AND JASON CLARK FOR THE “BENEFIT OF THE CITIZENS AROUND THE MILLER GROVE SCHOOL HOUSE” AND FOR “SEVERAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD.” IN THIS LOG SCHOOLHOUSE, CHILDREN SAT ON HEWED WOODEN BENCHES FOR A SCHOOL TERM TYPICALLY LASTING FIVE MONTHS. IN 1872, I.O.O.F. LODGE NO. 139 BUILT A TWO-STORY FRAME LODGE AND SCHOOLHOUSE WHICH HOUSED A LARGE BELL STILL IN EXISTENCE. THE BUILDING ALSO HOSTED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES AND COMMUNITY EVENTS. THE WOODMEN OF THE WORLD’S c. 1907 LODGE HALL SERVED AS THE NEXT SCHOOLHOUSE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS.

PAVING OF THE ROAD TO CUMBY AND ACQUISITION OF SCHOOL BUSES RESULTED IN COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL GROWTH. SURROUNDING SCHOOLS AT GREENVIEW, CENTER POINT, CEDAR POINT, PALESTINE, COUNTY LINE, BONANZA, DIVIDE, CROSS ROADS, AND SIMMONS CHAPEL CONSOLIDATED WITH MILLER GROVE FROM THE 1920s TO 1950s. AFTER THE SCHOOLHOUSE BURNED IN 1938, A NEW BRICK BUILDING WAS COMPLETED IN TIME TO START THE 1939-40 SCHOOL YEAR. THIS SCHOOL AND A GYMNASIUM BOTH BURNED A FEW YEARS AFTER COMPLETION AND WERE REBUILT. AT ONE TIME, ALL HOPKINS COUNTY SCHOOLS CELEBRATED AN END OF YEAR STEW AND COMMUNITY PICNIC; TODAY, ONLY MILLER GROVE CONTINUES THIS TRADITION. DURING WORLD WAR II, MEMBERS OF THE DEFENSE TRAINING SHOP REBUILT AN ARMY BARRACKS WHICH SERVED AS THE CAFETERIA UNTIL 1994. A NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL AND GYMNASIUM WERE ADDED TO THE CAMPUS BY 2003. FOR GENERATIONS, THE MILLER GROVE COMMUNITY HAS GATHERED AT THE SCHOOL FOR EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES AND FELLOWSHIP

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
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Hopkins County, located in northeast Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, until European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s. In 1841, the Texas Congress established Hopkins County and named it after Samuel Hopkins, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto.

The county's development was greatly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1870s. The construction of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, also known as the Cotton Belt Route, opened up new opportunities for trade and agriculture in the area. This led to an increase in population and the establishment of several communities, including Sulphur Springs, the county seat.

Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat. The introduction of new farming techniques and machinery further improved productivity. In addition to agriculture, the county also had thriving industries such as dairy farming, timber harvesting, and oil and gas production.

Over the years, Hopkins County has maintained its agricultural heritage while embracing modern developments. Today, the county is known for its annual Hopkins County Fall Festival, which celebrates the community's history and culture. It also boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historic sites, attracting visitors from near and far. Hopkins County continues to be a vibrant and evolving community, combining its rich history with a focus on progress and growth.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hopkins County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Hopkins County is formed from portions of Lamar and Nacogdoches counties.
  • 1849 - The county's first settlement, Tarrant, is established.
  • 1870 - The city of Sulphur Springs is founded as the county seat.
  • 1872 - The Texas and Pacific Railway is built through the county, boosting economic development.
  • 1884 - The county courthouse, known as the "Old White Courthouse," is constructed in Sulphur Springs.
  • 1961 - Lake Fork Reservoir is completed, providing a new recreational attraction for the county.
  • 1985 - The city of Sulphur Springs is designated as the "World Champion Hopkins County Stew Capital."
  • 2000 - The Hopkins County Veterans Memorial is dedicated to honor local veterans.