Historical Marker

Holt School

Historical marker location:
11911 CR 22, Stinnett, Texas
( 16 mi. NE of stinnett on SH 207,then 5.9 mi. E on FM 281)
Marker installed: 1989
Marker size: 27" x 42"

A county-wide public school district was established soon after Hutchinson County was created in 1901. As more people began to settle in the area, regional school districts were formed.

Common School District No. 8 was established in the northeastern corner of the county in 1902. The first schoolhouse, located on land owned by Benjamin Calvin Holt, was a one-room structure built in 1903.

This two-room schoolhouse was constructed in 1916 with lumber and other building materials hauled in from Texoma, Oklahoma. The simple wooden structure exhibits classical revival style detailings, especially in the gable entrance. Other features include oversized windows and decorative wood shingles.

Regular school classes were held here until 1935, when students began attending school in Spearman. The building, however, remained a community gathering place. The site of worship services, weddings and funerals, it has also hosted community activities such as quilting bees and local theater productions and continues to serve as an election polling place. The school buildings and grounds were deeded to the Holt Cemetery Association in 1949.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 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.

educational buildings education
You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.
Davy Crockett in Letter to William Strickland
Hutchinson County, located in the Panhandle region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa, who relied on the region's resources for their livelihoods. The first European explorers arrived in the area in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers exploring the region in search of riches and new lands.

In the 19th century, settlers began to make their way to Hutchinson County. The first permanent settlement was established in the early 1880s, with the establishment of the town of Plemons. The town served as a trading post and provided essential services to the surrounding ranching community. It wasn't until 1901 that the first oil well was drilled in the county, marking the beginning of the oil boom that would shape the future of Hutchinson County.

The discovery of oil led to a rapid influx of people and businesses to the region. Oil companies set up drilling operations, and towns such as Borger and Stinnett were founded to support the growing industry. This period of growth and prosperity continued throughout the early to mid-20th century, with oil production reaching its peak in the 1930s. The county became known as one of the leading oil-producing regions in Texas.

However, like many areas dependent on a single industry, Hutchinson County experienced ups and downs in its economic fortunes. The oil industry faced declining production and prices in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to a decline in population and economic activity. But in recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the county's economy, with a focus on industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Today, Hutchinson County continues to be home to a vibrant community, with a mix of traditional industries and newer, emerging sectors. The county's rich history, from its Native American roots to its oil boom days, is celebrated and preserved, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the legacy and progress of this dynamic region.

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

  • 1876 - Hutchinson County is officially established. It is named after Andrew Hutchinson, a jurist and politician.
  • 1880s - The first ranches are established in the area as settlers move in and begin cattle ranching.
  • 1920s - Oil is discovered in Hutchinson County, leading to a boom in population and economic growth.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits the county hard, causing a decline in population and economic struggles.
  • 1950s - The oil industry experiences another boom, leading to increased drilling and production in Hutchinson County.
  • 1970s - The county experiences a decline in oil production, leading to economic challenges for the region.
  • 1990s - Efforts are made to diversify the economy, including the development of wind power projects in the area.
  • 2000s - Hutchinson County witnesses a resurgence in the oil and gas industry, leading to increased economic activity.
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