Eylau, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eylau, Texas
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 Eylau, Texas
Location in Texas
Eylau, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Bowie |
| Elevation | 322 ft (98 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 430 & 903 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1357139 |
Eylau (pronounced "EYE-low") is a fascinating ghost town located in Bowie County, Texas, in the United States. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history. Eylau is one of these places, where you can imagine what life was once like.
Contents
The Story of Eylau
How Eylau Began
Eylau was started by a man named Collin M. Akin. He bought land near a river sometime after the Battle of San Jacinto. This important battle happened in 1836, so Eylau began to form as a community around that time.
Life in Eylau
For a while, Eylau was a small but active community. In 1885, a post office was opened in Eylau, which was a big deal for communication back then. This meant people could send and receive letters and packages right in their town. By 1890, about 30 people lived in Eylau.
A Town Disappears
The post office stayed open for ten years, closing its doors in 1895. Over time, fewer and fewer people lived in Eylau. By 1940, the community of Eylau had completely disappeared. It became a ghost town, with its residents moving away for various reasons, perhaps seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
Where is Eylau Located?
Eylau is situated along U.S. Route 59. It is about 5.1 miles (which is about 8.2 kilometers) southwest of the city of Texarkana. This location in Bowie County, Texas, is part of the larger landscape of the state.
Learning in Eylau
Early Schools
Education was important in Eylau from early on. A school was built on Collin M. Akin's land. In 1886, this school joined with another one called the Sylar School. The Sylar School was located on land owned by M.H. Jones. This joining of schools helped to provide better education for the children in the area.
Education Today
Even though Eylau is a ghost town now, its name lives on in the local school system. Today, the area where Eylau once stood is served by the Liberty-Eylau Independent School District. This district continues to provide education for students in the region, carrying on a legacy of learning.
