Crowley, Texas, Tarrant County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The city dates back to 1848 when settlers came to Deer Creek. When the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway arrived, settlers relocated to be near the railroad - and the contact with the outside world that it offered. A depot was built in 1885 and the town was renamed to honor railroad official S. H. Crowley. The post office was granted in 1882 and a Presbyterian church was established three years later.

For having such an early beginning, Crowley took its time developing.

The first school was a concrete two-story building built in 1905 and it didn't have a bank until 1907. It wasn't until 1950 that a volunteer fire department was organized and the town didn't incorporate until 1951. Water, gas and sewage systems didn't appear until the 60s, and door-to-door delivery of mail didn't come into being until 1972 - the year the town officially became a city (by vote of the city council).

Crowley's population went from less than 300 in the late 20s to 500 by the end of WWII. From 2,583 in 1970, it has nearly quadrupled to its present 8,300.

Crowley Texas Forum

I grew up in Crowley, Texas. I'm looking for photos of the 1st schoolhouse that was built in Crowley in the 1950s. I remember as a child crossing a very old bridge that had a dam on the east side. I fished and swam in that creek and pond as a child with very fond memories.

I used to have old photos of Bess Race elementary and Crowley high school on main sreet as well as old photos of the original school house which was made of stone and wood and was two stories tall. I went to Bess Race, Deer Creek, H.F. Stevens and Crowley high school from 1970 to 1983. I acquired the photos of the very 1st school house from my uncle who was a student there. He has since passed away. My entire life I have loved history and the history of my town. I had a wonderful collection of photos of Crowley schools, yearbooks, city papers and such. About 10 years ago my house with all my belongings including all my photos went up in flames. Please sir can you put me in contact with someone who may have the photos of the old school house of Crowley? Thank you. - James Mills

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