Historical Marker

Lela School

Historical marker location:
Lela, Texas
( 2nd St. at Maple St.)
Marker installed: 2001
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Soon after the establishment of this community along the proposed rail line for the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf railway in 1902, residents called for the creation of a school to serve their children. Both the community and the school were known as Story until the post office opened under the name Lela. Fannie Womble served as the first teacher in the Story (Lela) school, with John Purcell, J. V. Ford and J. T. Close as first trustees. Although the community was founded because of its abundance of good underground water, it did not keep pace with Shamrock (5 mi. E) and by 1920 many of the residents and businesses had moved to Shamrock. About the same time, the long dry creek flooded and the community of Lela, including the school, moved up the hill one-half mile north of its original site. The discovery and production of natural gas brought renewed prosperity to this farming and cattle region in the 1920s. After the Lela School building burned in 1927, civic leaders arranged for the construction of a new brick school building that would be large enough to accommodate the increased population brought on by the economic growth. Although the 1928 brick school building originally housed all grades, the top two grades were discontinued after several years, and Lela students traveled to Shamrock to complete their education. After nearly 90 years, the Lela School district closed in 1992 and was annexed to the Shamrock school district. Its history remains a strong part of the rural heritage of Wheeler County. (2001)

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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Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
Texas random facts
Wheeler County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Cheyenne, who relied on the bountiful resources of the land for survival. In the early 18th century, Spanish explorers and traders began to venture into the region, establishing some of the first European presence in what is now Wheeler County.

The county's formal establishment occurred in 1876, when it was carved out of Bexar County and named after Royal T. Wheeler, a chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court. During the late 19th century, Wheeler County experienced rapid growth as settlers migrated to the area to take advantage of the Homestead Act, which offered land grants to individuals and families. Cattle ranching became a prominent industry, and the county's economy thrived.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in the nearby Panhandle fields brought a new wave of prosperity to Wheeler County. Oil wells were drilled, and the county experienced an economic boom, attracting both workers and investors. However, this period of prosperity was followed by the Great Depression, which led to a decline in economic activity and population.

In recent years, Wheeler County has focused on preserving its historical heritage and natural beauty. The county offers visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and camping. Additionally, museums and historical sites in the area showcase the county's fascinating past, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate the rich history of Wheeler County, Texas.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Wheeler County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Wheeler County is officially established on August 21, 1876
  • 1880 - The town of Mobeetie becomes the first county seat
  • 1881 - Wheeler City is founded and becomes the new county seat
  • 1886 - The first courthouse in Wheeler City is built
  • 1900 - A new brick courthouse is constructed in Wheeler City
  • 1930 - The discovery of oil leads to a boom in Wheeler County
  • 1950 - A new courthouse is built in Wheeler to accommodate the growing population
  • 1960 - The population of Wheeler County reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents
  • 1986 - A tornado devastates parts of Wheeler County, causing widespread destruction
  • 2000 - The population of Wheeler County decreases to around 5,000 residents
  • 2010 - Wheeler County celebrates its 134th anniversary