Historical Marker

Lakeview School and Community

Historical marker location:
FM 54, Petersburg, Texas
( from Petersburg, take FM 54 about 8 miles west. Marker missing as of Jan. 2007.)
Marker installed: 1989
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The Lakeview School traces its roots to two area pioneer schools. Ivey School (approximately 5.5 mi. NE) opened in 1892. Classes were held in a three-room schoolhouse, which was later moved to a site closer to this location (about 2 miles East). Star School (approximately 2 mi. NW) opened in 1904. The Ivey and Star schoolhouses were moved onto this site in 1914 and joined to form one building. The consolidated schools were renamed Lakeview, and the first teacher was A. H. Tedford. An independent school district was formally organized in 1919, and a new brick schoolhouse was erected in the 1920s. Soon after the establishment of the Lakeview School a community began to build up in this vicinity. At its height in the 1920s and 1930s the community boasted a Methodist church, a Baptist church, a blacksmith shop, a gin, a garage, retail stores, and homes. The Lakeview School closed in 1943 and students were transferred to Abernathy and Petersburg. The only physical remnants of the settlement are the Methodist church and the foundation of the brick schoolhouse. Now a ghost town, Lakeview Community was once an important part of the education of Hale County children.

(1989)

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.

churches Methodist (Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist) denomination education settlements ghost towns
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
Hale County, Texas, located in the Panhandle region, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Apaches, before European settlement. In the 1870s, the first pioneers arrived in the region and established several ranches, harnessing the potential of the vast grasslands and natural resources.

The county was officially organized in 1888 and named after Lt. John C. Hale, a hero of the Battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution. Agriculture played a crucial role in the early development of Hale County, with farming and ranching becoming the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated trade and growth in the region.

One significant event in Hale County's history was the discovery of oil in the early 20th century. Oil fields were found near the city of Plainview, leading to an economic boom and population growth. The discovery of oil allowed for the establishment of refineries and related industries, transforming Hale County into an important oil-producing area in Texas.

In recent decades, the economy of Hale County has diversified, with the advent of new industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education. The county continues to be a major agricultural producer, specializing in cotton, sorghum, and cattle ranching. Hale County is also known for its strong community spirit and has maintained its rural charm while embracing progress and modernization.

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

  • 1876: Hale County is founded as a part of the Texas Panhandle.
  • 1881: The first permanent settlement, Plainview, is established.
  • 1888: The Santa Fe Railroad reaches Plainview, boosting the town's growth.
  • 1891: Hale County is officially organized.
  • 1892: The first courthouse is constructed in Plainview.
  • 1907: The Discovery Oil Well is drilled, leading to an oil boom in the county.
  • 1920: The town of Hale Center is incorporated.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Hale County, causing significant economic hardship.
  • 1941: United States enters World War II, causing Hale County to experience an increase in agricultural production.
  • 1950s: The introduction of irrigation systems revolutionizes agriculture in the county.
  • 1980: Hale County experiences an economic downturn due to a decline in the oil industry.
  • 1990s: The establishment of wind farms begins to diversify the county's energy sources.
  • 2008: Hale County suffers from a severe drought, affecting agricultural production.
  • 2010s: Renewed focus on economic development and tourism to boost the county's economy.