Detroit, Texas, birthplace of John Nance Garner. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Former Vice-President John Nance Garner's birthplace is about 6 miles SW on FM 410. Garner's name is more closely linked with Uvalde, Texas, where he had a vast sheep ranch. Garner and Sam Rayburn (who grew up in Fannin County) were fast friends throughout their lengthy terms of service in Washington. Rayburn, although a long-term resident of North Texas, was actually born in Tennessee.

The Starkesville Post Office moved to the new townsite along the Missouri Pacific Railroad and after the move was known as Bennett. Detroit, Michigan was the hometown of the railroad agent and he saw fit to rename the town Detroit.

The approximately 700 people of Detroit have done a great job of keeping their town looking its best.

Welcome to Detroit. Established 1876
Photo courtesy Brian Truncali, July 2009

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact us.