Farmersville, Texas, Collin County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

It may come as no surprise that the first settlers of this town were farmers. The town drew the population of the smaller settlement of Sugar Hill (2 miles NE) in 1854.

Farmersville was granted a post office in 1857. The land for the town square was donated by one William Gotcher in 1859 and the town incorporated 14 years later.

In 1855 the Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church was organized, followed by the First Methodist Church the next year. The First Baptist Church was organized in 1865. Private schools were in operation in the 1860s and the first public schools opened about 30 years later. A weekly newspaper, the Times started publishing in 1885.

After the arrival of the railroad, Farmersville became a shipping point for vegetables and bois d�arc fence posts. In 1980 the town began �Old Time Saturday� which is an event that remembers pre-television Texas.

Audie Murphy was born nearby and lived in Farmersville before his enlistment. The local library has a collection of Murphy memorabilia in a designated room.

Farmersville owns its own electrical system. One of the town�s first generators is on display in the park next to the library.

Farmersville�s post office exhibits a Depression-era mural painted by Jerry Bywaters.

Photographer's Note:
" Was quite surprised at what I found here. I pass through the edge of town frequently, but had been 20 years or so since I'd been downtown. They've really made an effort there. Audie Murphy was born close by." - Mike Price, October 16, 2007

The 1888 Aston Building
Photo courtesy Mike Price, October 2007

The 1890 W. H. May Building
Photo courtesy Mike Price, October 2007

The restored 1930's Onion Shed downtown. "we use it for our monthly Farmers and Fleas Market and all sorts of other events."
- Farmersville Main Street

Audie Murphy Memorial
Photo courtesy Mike Price, October 2007

Historical marker: Recently added to downtown, this state marker celebrates Audie Murphy's homecoming to Farmersville in 1945 (which was covered by Life Magazine).
Photo courtesy Farmersville Main Street

Photos courtesy Farmersville Main Street

Farmersville Country Scenes

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