East Side Elementary School
Historical marker location:In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wise and several surrounding counties had few African American citizens. Yet regulations at the time required separate facilities for African Americans. Most African American families in Decatur lived in a neighborhood east of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway tracks. In 1882, they established East Side Elementary School, which was the only school for African American students in Wise County. The original building was a one-room frame structure built near the residence of a Mrs. Missouri Brown. Initially the facility also served as a church. It had a pot-bellied stove that the boys gathered wood for from the nearby creek. A water well was abandoned in the 1930s when it was discovered to be contaminated with oil. East Side Elementary School often inherited discarded furnishings and textbooks from Decatur's white schools. Students who completed eighth grade had to travel to Fort Worth's I.M. Terrell High School (45 miles) or Denton's Fred Moore High School (30 miles) to continue their education. In 1954, the school was replaced by a two-classroom brick building and the old frame building was used as a band hall at Decatur High School. Later, the former school served as a barn and then was moved back to its historic neighborhood. East Side Elementary School operated until segregation ended in 1965 and all students attended the same schools. Little documentation exists for Decatur's African American community. The stories of East Side Elementary School serve as reminders of the struggles and triumphs of a different time in our nation's past. (2013)
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.
In the early years, Wise County was primarily used for ranching and farming due to its fertile soil and abundant water supply. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway in the late 1800s brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce, spurring economic growth in the region.
During the Civil War, Wise County remained divided between Unionists and Confederates, leading to some conflict within the county. After the war, the discovery of coal deposits in the area led to the establishment of coal mining towns, including Newark and Rhome. These towns ushered in a new era of industrialization and attracted more settlers to the county in search of employment.
In the early 20th century, Wise County experienced a decline in coal mining due to competition from other energy sources. However, the discovery of oil in the 1920s sparked a new economic boom. Today, Wise County remains a hub for oil and gas production, contributing significantly to the local economy. It also boasts a diverse agricultural industry and has become a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Wise County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wise County, Texas.
- 1856 - Wise County is established and named after Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise.
- 1860 - The first post office, called Taylorsville, is established in the county.
- 1867 - The county's first courthouse is built in Decatur, the county seat.
- 1873 - The Wise County Old Settlers Association is founded to preserve the county's history.
- 1882 - The Wise County Messenger, the county's oldest newspaper, is established.
- 1883 - The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is completed, connecting Wise County to major cities.
- 1905 - The county's second courthouse, a grand Neoclassical building, is completed.
- 1920 - The oil boom hits Wise County, leading to increased drilling and economic growth.
- 1927 - The county's third courthouse, a Modern Classical structure, is completed.
- 1969 - Lake Bridgeport, a reservoir, is completed, providing water recreation opportunities.
- 2000 - The population of Wise County reaches over 48,000 people.
- 2015 - The Wise County Heritage Museum is established to showcase the county's history.