Historical Marker

Thompson School

Historical marker location:
Sweet Home, Texas
( CR 379 and CR 381, Mont community)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Rural schools served as the major source of education for children outside of larger towns in Lavaca county. Thompson school served the community south of Mont in Lavaca county. The town of Dew-Cox, or Needmore, changed its name to Monseratte in 1894 which was later shortened to Mont. When the rail line came through the area, a gin and a store were built nearby. In 1891, the old rocky creek school was torn down and moved near the new railroad. Thompson school came into existence because of the rail line and no school existed within walking distance for residents in the area.

F.M. Thompson deeded the school trustees of school district no. 12 a parcel of land for the purpose of establishing a school. The school opened in 1895 with ruby lay as the teacher. Students walked through fields and pastures to get to school and were responsible for daily maintenance of the school. F.M. Thompson died in November 1896 and his wife Mary died august 1918 without a will. The land reverted back to the Thompson family when the school moved in 1904.

The second school came into existence on a parcel of land deeded by L. Jaresh. In 1919, a second classroom was added and additional improvements made in 1923. In 1935, A.W. Jaresh deeded an additional one half acre to the school. The second school was torn down and a third school built on the same property. The school operated until 1959 when it consolidated with Hallettsville independent school district. The school is a historical snapshot of the reason rural schools came into existence and their service to the community

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.

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Lavaca County, located in southeast Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its settlement in the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Tonkawa people, who thrived off the land's natural resources. European settlement began in the 1820s, following the arrival of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred colonists.

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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.