Dido, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dido, Texas
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 Dido, Texas
Location in Texas
Dido, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Tarrant |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 2034343 |
Dido is a ghost town located in Tarrant County, Texas. It sits near Pecan Acres, close to Eagle Mountain Lake and the town of Saginaw. A ghost town is a place where most people have moved away, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history.
Contents
The Story of Dido
How Dido Got Its Name
The town of Dido is believed to have started around 1848. A man named David Thurmond was frustrated by the large amount of horse manure on the trail leading to the settlement. He decided to name the town "Dido," which was a slang word for horse manure back in the mid-1800s.
Later, in the 1850s, the town officially became known as Dido when a post office was set up there.
Early Days and Community
In 1887, a kind doctor named Isaac Van Zandt donated some land. This land was used to build important community spots. These included a schoolhouse for children, a church for worship, and the Dido Cemetery.
Not a lot of other details are known about Dido's early history. However, the Dido Methodist Church is still active today. There are even groups working to bring the town back to its former lively state.
Why Dido Became a Ghost Town
The Railroad's Impact
Dido once had a promising future. But like many other Texas towns, it faced a big challenge: the railroad bypassed it. This meant that the new train lines, which were important for travel and trade, did not come through Dido.
Moving On
Without the railroad, Dido's convenient location became less useful. Many people started moving to nearby towns that had railroad access. Saginaw was one of the towns that grew as Dido's residents moved away. This gradual move led to Dido becoming the quiet ghost town it is today.
Dido Today
Local Stories and Community Efforts
Even though much of Dido's history is unknown, people in nearby towns, especially Saginaw and Eagle Mountain, often share stories. Some say that Dido is now a small community. These residents are working to restore the town. They hold picnics and community meetings to keep its spirit alive.
Others claim to be related to David Thurmond, the town's founder. These personal connections help keep Dido's memory alive.
Where is Dido?
Location and Nearby Areas
Dido is generally located between Eagle Mountain, Pecan Acres, and Saginaw. The exact boundaries of the old town are not completely clear. You can find the area along Morris Dido Newark Road and Dido Hicks Road. It is also on the coast of Eagle Mountain Lake.
Nearby towns include Saginaw, Pecan Acres, Avondale, Newark, Eagle Mountain, and Haslet.
