Historical Marker

Chatfield Baptist Church

Marker installed: 1999
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Reportedly the owner of one hundred slaves and 1280 acres of land, Robert Hodge settled in this area in 1849. Hodge allowed his slaves to organize two churches -- a Baptist church and an African Methodist Episcopal Church. They shared a building known as the Colored Community Church of Chatfield with the Rev. Z. T. Pardee as pastor.

By 1858 the Baptist congregation formed by Hodge's slaves was part of the Chatfield Baptist Church. In that year the Chatfield Baptist Church joined the Richland Baptist Association. During this time, white pastors preached to both white and black congregations, one in the morning and one in the evening. After emancipation many freed slaves remained in the area. They became both sharecroppers and landowners. One distinguished local family was that of Allen R. Griggs (1850-1922), a Baptist minister dedicated to the education of black Texans. His son, Sutton Elbert Griggs (1872-1933), was born in Chatfield. A minister who was heavily involved in Texas Baptist life, Sutton E. Griggs became a noted African American writer.

The Navarro Baptist Association was formed in 1887 and the Chatfield Baptist Church transferred its membership to the new organization. The town of Chatfield reached its peak in the 1890s with a population of 500. The Chatfield Baptist Church congregation continues to uphold the traditions of its founders through worship and service to the community. (1999)

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.

Baptist denomination churches African American
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Navarro County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche, who settled along the Trinity River. European explorers and settlers arrived in the 18th century, with Spanish explorers such as Domingo Terán de los Ríos making expeditions through the region.

During the 19th century, the area that is now Navarro County became part of the Republic of Texas and later the state of Texas. In 1848, the county was officially established and named after José Antonio Navarro, a prominent Tejano leader and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county seat, Corsicana, was established in 1848 and quickly grew due to its location along the railroad.

Corsicana became known as the "Oil City" in the early 20th century when significant oil discoveries were made in the county. The discovery of the Corsicana oilfield in 1894 brought an economic boom to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil companies and refineries. The county's economy flourished as a result, with Corsicana becoming a prosperous industrial and manufacturing center.

In addition to its oil industry, Navarro County has a strong agricultural heritage. Cotton farming was widespread in the county during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with large plantations and slave labor playing a significant role. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural region, with cattle ranching, corn, and wheat farming being key industries.

Overall, Navarro County's history is marked by its Native American roots, European settlement, oil discoveries, and agricultural prominence. Today, the county retains its historical significance while also embracing modern industries and attractions.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Navarro County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Navarro County established as one of the original counties of Texas
  • 1848 - Corsicana chosen as the county seat
  • 1850 - First courthouse built in Corsicana
  • 1861-1865 - Navarro County heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1868 - Construction of the second courthouse in Corsicana
  • 1871 - Corsicana becomes an important trading center for cotton
  • 1881 - First discovery of natural gas in Corsicana leads to development of the oil industry
  • 1894 - Construction of the third and current courthouse in Corsicana
  • 1900 - Corsicana becomes the first Texas city to establish a municipal airport
  • 1930s - Navarro County affected by the Great Depression; agriculture and oil industries suffer
  • 1942-1945 - Corsicana Naval Air Station plays a significant role during World War II
  • 1956 - Corsicana becomes the birthplace of the Collin Street Bakery fruitcake
  • 1960s-1970s - Navarro College is established and begins to grow
  • 1980s-1990s - Corsicana becomes a popular filming location for movies and TV shows
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina evacuees temporarily housed in Navarro County
  • 2010 - Corsicana celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
  • 2017 - Corsicana locates one of the largest oil fields in Texas in Wolfberry Trend
  • 2020 - Navarro County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic