Historical Marker

Providence Community

Historical marker location:
Grand Saline, Texas
( One-half mile East of Grand Saline on Highway 80. Take a right (South) on Farm Road 857 for seven miles to the junction with County Road 1525 at Providence Community.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY, COMPRISED MOSTLY OF SMALL FAMILY FARMS, IS LOCATED IN THE FAR NORTHEAST SECTION OF VAN ZANDT COUNTY, STRADDLING THE SMITH COUNTY LINE. SINCE 1845, COLONIZATION OF THE AREA WAS ENCOURAGED WITH LAND GRANTS, AND MANY IMMIGRANTS FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES OF GEORGIA, ALABAMA AND TENNESSEE CAME TO OWN THEIR OWN LAND. THE AREA WAS WELL-SUITED FOR FARMING WITH WATER FROM THE NECHES AND SABINE RIVERS. THE COMMUNITY ALSO HAD THE DALLAS-SHREVEPORT ROAD AND THE TEXAS AND PACIFIC RAILROAD. A DEPOT, NAMED GRAND SALINE, WAS BUILT LATER AND USED FOR TRAVELERS AND FREIGHT.

IN MAY 1854, THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FORMED A SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR PROVIDENCE. THE SCHOOL WAS FIRST NAMED CHRESTMAN SCHOOL AND LATER PROVIDENCE SCHOOL. ON MAR. 29, 1873, A BAPTIST CHURCH WAS ESTABLISHED. IN JUNE 1888, SOMEONE SET FIRE TO THE SCHOOL, BAPTIST CHURCH AND GRANGE HALL. EVENTUALLY NEW BUILDINGS WERE BUILT. IN 1888, A POST OFFICE WAS SET UP BUT LATER DISCONTINUED IN 1908. BY 1952, THE SCHOOL WAS CONSOLIDATED INTO THE VAN SCHOOL DISTRICT DUE TO CONTINUING DECREASE IN ENROLLMENT.

WITH THE COTTON INDUSTRY MOVING FROM EAST TEXAS TO WEST TEXAS, SOIL DEPLETION, AND COLLEGE EDUCATION BECOMING MORE AFFORDABLE, THE YOUNGER GENERATION LEFT THE AREA FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDING THE OIL INDUSTRY. BY 1940, THE SETTLEMENT DISAPPEARED FROM STATE HIGHWAY MAPS. TODAY, IT IS MODERATELY POPULATED BY DESCENDANTS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS AS WELL AS NEWCOMERS WHO ARE ENGAGED IN THE PLANT AND TREE NURSERY BUSINESS, HAY FARMING AND STOCK RAISING

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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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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
Van Zandt County is located in the northeastern part of Texas and has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was initially settled by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. European settlers began arriving in the late 1830s and early 1840s, establishing communities along rivers and creeks.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.