Dalby Springs, Texas. (original) (raw)

The 1839 Dalby Springs Methodist Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2009

History in a Pecan Shell

Settlement began in the late 1830s when the Warren Dalby family moved here and discovered springs on their property. Later, when the waters were discovered to have medicinal properties, it created a boom. In the 1850s, housing was built for those seeking health, and in 1860 a post office was granted.

The community peaked in the mid 1880s when it reached 250. By 1900 it had fallen below 200 and while it remained there for decades, by the 1950s it had fallen to a mere 50 residents.

It reached a low of just 60 in the mid 1980s which has increased to 141 for the 2000 census.

Historical Marker

Dalby Springs Methodist Church

Built of knotless pine lumber in 1888. First house of worship built by congregation who had been worshipping since 1839 in homes, groves and school. During this time the town of Dalby Springs emerged from farmland and grew into a summer health spa.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966

1882 map showing Bowie County -
Dalby Springs near Red River County line
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

Dalby Springs, Texas Forum

• "We lived about 2 miles from Dalby Springs in the early 50s. There is quite a history. When we lived there, there was one water well that you could still get water from, and a small store / gas station. The water from the well was dark red. It didn't smell very good. If you put the water in a glass jug, over time the inside of the jug would turn a dark rusty color. I guess it was from sulfur in the water or another mineral. They stuck oil about 1950-52 about three miles south-south east of Dalby Springs. It was a low grade crude oil. Dad said it was a paraffin-base oil. About two miles west of Dalby Spring is an artisan water well. It is still running good water. I have drank from it several times." - Jesse Suttles, April 10, 2012

| Photographer's Note: Dalby Springs is featured in T. Lindsay Baker 's 'More Ghost Towns of Texas.' - Barclay Gibson, August 2010 | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |

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