Dickson School
Historical marker location:The Lavaca County School Board established the Dickson School District as District No. 32 in 1886. The district encompassed 28.8 square miles and was named after early pioneer and lawman William Dickson. A one-room school building was constructed on the farm of Joe Koenning, approximately 500 yards north of Ponton Creek.
After the turn of the century, Lavaca County’s population swelled, and the small Dickson School was deemed insufficient for the growing district. In 1912, Jacob and Barbara Welfel sold two acres across the road from the original school site to the district. This new site was on higher ground and was not subject to the periodic flooding that plagued the original site. In 1914, the district constructed a teacher’s cottage and dug a well on the new site, and the original school building was moved across the road in 1918. The building was enlarged in 1923 and 1929.
Student enrollment remained fairly constant during the 1910-1940 period, with approximately 50 to 60 students enrolled each year. By the early 1930s, the school was certified for instruction through the 9th grade. The 1940s saw a reduction in the number of students at Dickson School, due to improved rural roads and the advent of modern school buses, which enabled students to attend schools in larger communities. In 1949, the Lavaca County School Board mandated the consolidation of the Dickson School District with the Moulton District, ending more than sixty years of service by the Dickson School
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.
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.
In 1846, Lavaca County was officially established by the Texas state legislature and was named after the Lavaca River, which runs through the area. The county quickly developed as a center for agriculture, with cotton becoming the primary cash crop. Many plantations were established, and slavery played a significant role in the local economy, impacting the social and cultural dynamics of the region.
During the Civil War, Lavaca County supported the Confederacy, with many of its residents volunteering for military service. The county experienced the effects of the war firsthand, including economic hardships and infrastructure damage. In the post-war years, the cotton industry faced several challenges, including the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression, which led to a decline in agricultural dominance.
In the 20th century, Lavaca County transitioned into a more diversified economy, with the growth of oil and gas exploration. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought prosperity to the region, attracting new residents and businesses. Today, Lavaca County continues to be primarily rural with a strong agricultural heritage, while also benefiting from the contributions of the energy industry. The county's deep-rooted history and ongoing development make it a unique and historically significant part of Texas.
Lavaca County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lavaca County, Texas.
- 1846 - Lavaca County is established by the Texas legislature, carved out of parts of neighboring counties.
- 1849 - The first county seat is established in Hallettsville.
- 1852 - The oldest known courthouse in Lavaca County is built in Hallettsville.
- 1856 - The county's first newspaper, the Lavaca Democrat, is founded.
- 1861-1865 - Lavaca County residents support the Confederacy during the Civil War.
- 1867 - St. Peter's Lutheran Church, the oldest continuously active Lutheran congregation in Texas, is established in Hallettsville.
- 1873 - The Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway extends its tracks into Lavaca County.
- 1881 - A new courthouse is constructed in Hallettsville to replace the original courthouse.
- 1922 - The area around Lavaca County experiences a significant oil boom, leading to increased economic activity.
- 1936 - The current Lavaca County Courthouse, a Classical Revival-style building, is completed in Hallettsville.
- 1942-1945 - Many Lavaca County residents serve in World War II.
- 1997 - The Lavaca County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2010 - Lavaca County celebrates its 150th anniversary since its establishment.
- 2018 - Lavaca County continues to be a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural industry.