Corinth Baptist Church and School
Historical marker location:The church and cemetery at this site are all that remain of the once-thriving community of Corinth. Settled during the 1800s, Corinth boasted a gin, grist mill, blacksmith shop, doctor's office, sawmill,stores, and a school during its early years. A post office, established in 1888, operated until 1906.
An early Van Zandt County history records that a school existed on this property in 1849, taught by professor James J. Kuykendall. The log schoolhouse also served the Baptist church congregation. It was replaced about 1899 with a two-story building in which the Oddfellows also held their meetings. A third schoolhouse was built in 1916 and later was sold to the church to serve as Sunday School classrooms.
Little is known of the origin of the Baptist congregation, since early church records were destroyed by fire. The earliest pastor on record is the Rev. Thomas McAdams Post (1843-1931), who came in 1884 and served a membership of 25. A Civil War veteran, Post is buried in the adjacent cemetery, which is the burial site of several other Civil War veterans and many early settlers in the Corinth area.
Although little is left of the Corinth community, its history remains a strong part of Van Zandt County heritage. (1984)
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 Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
The county was officially formed in 1848 and named after Isaac Van Zandt, a politician and diplomat who played a significant role in the establishment of the Republic of Texas. Throughout the mid-19th century, the economy of Van Zandt County was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the dominant crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce to the area.
In the early 20th century, Van Zandt County experienced a boom in oil production, which significantly impacted the local economy. This led to the growth of oil-related industries and the establishment of several oil towns within the county. However, the Great Depression and subsequent decline in oil prices had a detrimental effect on the area, leading to economic challenges during the 1930s and 1940s.
Over the years, Van Zandt County has continued to grow and develop. Today, it boasts a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, and there are several recreational areas such as lakes and state parks that attract visitors. Van Zandt County also has a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals and events celebrating its history and culture.
Van Zandt County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Van Zandt County, Texas.
- 1848 - Van Zandt County is established as one of the 36 original counties in Texas.
- 1850 - The county seat is established in Canton.
- 1861-1865 - Van Zandt County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1894 - The construction of the Texas State Railroad reaches Van Zandt County, boosting the local economy.
- 1900 - An oil boom begins in the county, bringing new growth and prosperity.
- 1921 - The Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike is completed, connecting Van Zandt County to the metroplex.
- 1930s-1940s - Van Zandt County suffers from the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II.
- 1960s-1970s - The county experiences a period of economic growth and population increase.
- 1980s - The county faces economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
- 2000 - Canton becomes known for its First Monday Trade Days, attracting visitors from all over the state.