Quicksand, Texas. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan ShellEarly settlers named the community after a nearby creek. The town was thought to be the geographic center of the county and for that reason (and to comply with the legislature's mandate) it was made the Newton County seat.

The first meetings of the county officials took place at the home of Josephus S. Irvine, a San Jacinto veteran. When it became known that Quicksand was a little off center - a vote was taken and Burkeville was made the seat in 1848. This was contested, so an election was held in 1849. Burkeville was retained by an 86-82 vote.

In 1853 a new town called Newton - four miles southwest of Quicksand was established as county seat.

It is reported that Quicksand had a post office for only one month (in 1871), which might be a state record.


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