Historical Marker

Pineland

Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Like many Sabine County communities, Pineland was established as a result of the arrival of the logging industry to the east Texas pine forests. A lumber camp was first recorded at this site along the route of the newly-constructed Gulf, Beaumont & Great Northern Railway in 1902. The settlement was first known as John Adams’ Mill, after a miller who had recently arrived from Alabama, but it soon came to be known as Pineland. The railroad established a passenger and freight station in Pineland, causing the settlement to rapidly grow. The lumber business continues to drive the economy of the town.

A post office was opened in Pineland in 1904, and Walter Everett served as the first postmaster. By 1907 a commercial sawmill began operations in Pineland, and after three years of operation T.L.L. Temple purchased the mill to add to the Temple Lumber Company. In its early years, Pineland was populated almost exclusively by mill workers and their families. The town grew to 1,500 residents by 1925 and incorporated in 1941.

The Pineland State Bank was organized in 1957, and other businesses established in Pineland during the 1960s included a hospital and a supermarket. A library and the Pineland Service Club were also formed, and Pineland Day was first held in 1957.

Pineland Independent School District was formed in 1917, and operated until 1961, when it consolidated with the Bronson Schools to form the West Sabine Independent School District. The African American school in Pineland was added to the district in 1966, and the district continues to serve 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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Sabine County, located in the eastern region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who relied on the fertile land and abundant water sources for sustenance. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century when Spanish expeditions led by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda explored the Gulf Coast, including the Sabine River.

In the early 19th century, Sabine County became a part of the newly established Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The area attracted American settlers who were lured by the fertile soil for farming and the potential for trade along the Sabine River. One influential settler, James Gaines, established the city of Milam in 1835, which would later become the county seat of Sabine County.

The history of Sabine County is closely intertwined with the struggle for independence and the establishment of the Republic of Texas. During the Texas Revolution, the area witnessed several significant events, such as the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and the Battle of Gaines' Ferry in 1836. After Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, Sabine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.

As the years went by, Sabine County experienced various economic booms and downturns, primarily driven by industries such as timber and oil. The timber industry played a vital role in the county's early development, with sawmills and logging camps becoming prominent features of the local economy. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil led to a short-lived but significant oil boom in the area, attracting numerous companies and workers.

Today, Sabine County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of rural and urban areas. Its rich history is celebrated through various cultural events and landmarks, showcasing its role as an integral part of Texas's heritage.

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

  • 1836: Sabine County is established and organized as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1843: The town of Hemphill is established as the county seat of Sabine County.
  • 1854: The Sabine Pass Lighthouse is constructed on the Sabine Pass.
  • 1861: Sabine County residents vote overwhelmingly in favor of secession from the Union.
  • 1881: The Texas State Penitentiary is established in Sabine County.
  • 1936: Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, is completed along the Sabine River.
  • 1957: The Sabine River Authority of Texas is created to manage the water resources of the Sabine River Basin.
  • 1976: The Sabine County Historical Commission is established to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1990: The Sabine County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.