Historical Marker

Sand Flat Community

Historical marker location:
Grand Saline, Texas
( approximately four miles southeast of Grand Saline on FM 857)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

A settlement first grew in this area of Van Zandt County beginning in the 1850s, at the junction of the Dallas-Shreveport Road and the Crockett’s Bluff Road. The community was first known as Chrestman, after John W. Chrestman, who purchased property in the area in 1850. The county was divided into school districts in 1854, and the area surrounding Chrestman was established as district number 3 and a school known as Chrestman School was established.

During the end of the nineteenth century the community gradually began to be called Sand Flat. In 1900, Jacob R. Gillentine submitted an application for a post office for Sand Flat; after submission, the application form was altered to read “Fulton,” and that was the name approved for the community’s post office. Gillentine served as the first postmaster, but the post office only operated until 1905, and locally, the community retained the name of Sand Flat.

Sand Flat Baptist Church was organized in September 1901 by members of the Providence Baptist Church (five miles east) who desired a place of worship closer to their homes. Camp # 2266 of the Woodmen of the World was chartered in 1907, and later that year the church and fraternal organization built a shared two-story building.

Businesses that developed in the small community included a blacksmith shop, grocery, a cotton gin, and a saw mill. Methodist and Church of Christ congregations were also organized. As with many small towns, the consolidation of schools and the population shift from rural to urban areas caused Sand Flat to gradually decline

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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The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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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.