Eliasville, Texas facts for kids
Eliasville is a small, unincorporated community in Young County, Texas, United States. It's located near the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. You can find Eliasville where Texas Farm Roads 1974, 3109, and 701 meet. It's close to the Stephens County line in southwestern Young County, about 20 miles from Graham.
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Eliasville's Story
In the 1850s, an important river crossing was located near where Eliasville is today. This crossing was part of the Austin to Fort Belknap Military Road. Famous military leaders like Albert Sidney Johnston and Robert E. Lee used this road with their soldiers.
Early Days and Famous Faces
The first settlers arrived in the 1870s. Eliasville was founded on land owned by J. L. Dobbs. The town officially got its name in 1878. It was named after Elias DeLong, who opened the first store there. Elias DeLong's grandfather, James Horton DeLong, fought in the American Revolutionary War. Other early store owners included Joseph Henry Nelson, who ran a drugstore.
Some famous people were born in Eliasville. These include Mike Dowdle, a former linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. Also, two presidents of the University of Texas, Harry Yandell Benedict and Homer Rainey, were born here.
Boom, Bust, and Today
Eliasville grew very quickly in the 1920s. This was a "boom" time because of the oil and minerals found in the area. The town became officially incorporated in 1921, meaning it had its own local government. W. T. Donnell was Eliasville's first mayor. During this time, the Wichita Falls and Southern Railway served the town, helping to transport goods.
By the 1940s, the population started to shrink. Many people moved to places like Fort Worth for jobs related to defense work. In 1940, about 400 people lived in Eliasville. By 1980, only 116 people remained. A city lake was finished in 1952. Today, Eliasville is no longer an incorporated town. In 2000, the population was estimated to be around 60 people. The community is now best known for the remains of its historic dam and mill.
The Historic Mill
Two early residents, William and Thomas Donnell, built a grist mill on the Brazos River. A grist mill is a place that grinds grain into flour. The riverbed in this area is made of strong sandstone. This made a very sturdy base for building the mill.
The first mill was destroyed, but it was rebuilt in 1879. A U.S. Government Engineer helped with the rebuilding. Sadly, the mill was destroyed again by fire in 1927. Today, the remains of the mill and dam are still there. They are a popular spot for photographers and people who want to see a piece of the past.
Learning in Eliasville
During Eliasville's boom years, students went to the DeLong Ward school. Today, students from Eliasville attend schools in the Graham Independent School District.
