Tarkington Prairie, Texas, Liberty County. (original) (raw)

"The old Tarkington I.S.D. school in Tarkington Prairie"
Photo courtesy Coty Squier, 2011
More Texas Schoolhouses

History in a Pecan Shell

Founded in the early 1820s by Burton B. Tarkington, the community was close to the well-traveled Nacogdoches-Lynchburg trail. Originally a Mexican land grant it soon became a commercial center and was thriving even before the start of the Civil War. Early businesses included a blacksmith, a store and a steam-powered gin. The community also had its own post office.

Noncommercial infrastructure included a Masonic Lodge that doubled as a Baptist Church. Population of the community was infused by Confederate veterans who relocated from other Southern states. Mail service was eventually taken over by Cleveland, Texas and Tarkington�s post office was closed.

Burton Tarkington and his wife are buried nearby in the McGinnis Cemetery. A historical marker in front of the Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department serves as a remembrance.

Photographer's Note:
"This is the old Tarkington I.S.D. school in Tarkington Prairie, Texas. Which is 45 minutes north of Houston off Hwy 321 between Cleveland and Dayton. The school is off a county road but I'm not sure the CR number. I don't know how old the school is but my grandmother went to school there before the 50's. The town's namesake Sarah and Burton Tarkington are buried in a cemetery located near the new school road CR 163 and Hwy 321." - Coty Squier, November 27, 2011

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.