Avinger Texas. (original) (raw)
"Home of Wildflower Trails and Avinger Indians"
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, October 2011
History in a Pecan Shell
A settlement called Hickory Hill was nearby in the early 1840s. A post office opened there in 1848 and the East Line and Red River Railroad arrived in 1876. A station was built where Avinger would later appear.
The businesses from Hickory Hill started relocating to be near the rails and by 1877 even the post office moved. Dr. H. J. Avinger, who also operated a store, had the town renamed in his honor. The population was 100 by 1892 and by 1914 it was estimated to be 500.
Prior to the Great Depression, the town was up to 700 which declined to 450 through the 1930s. The Lone Star Steel Plant was built just west of town during World War II. In 1949 the town renewed itself by rebuilding its infrastructure and paving its streets. A new high school was built as well as a water and sewer system.
The population peaked at 750 people in 1960. The 1990 Census reported 478 people which has remained at about that level in 2000.
Avinger Landmarks & Photo Gallery ›
Avinger, Texas Chronicles
- Avinger Tornadoes - 1885 and 1921 by Marlene Bradford
- Not all ghosts are dead by Mike Cox
The old man in the dirty linen duster walked slowly down the dirt road from his dilapidated two-story house on the hill toward the abandoned Presbyterian church. Inside, he made his way up the aisle toward the worn front pew... more
Avinger, Texas Landmarks
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Gerald Massay, June 2010
Avinger First Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Gerald Massay, June 2010
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