Providence, Texas facts for kids

Providence is a small, unincorporated community in Anderson County, Texas. This means it is a place where people live, but it does not have its own local government. It is considered part of the Palestine, Texas area.

History of Providence

Providence began with a special gift of land. On March 20, 1858, W.T. Miller received 8 acres. This land was meant for a church and a cemetery.

Local people and skilled builders worked together. They built a two-story building. The first floor was for a church. The second floor held a special group called Providence Lodge No. 400. This lodge officially started on June 15, 1874. George H. Stovall was its leader.

In 1900, a strong tornado hit Providence. It completely destroyed the church and lodge building. Five years later, parts of the lodge moved to Elkhart, a nearby town.

The church members worshipped outside under a leafy shelter. They used materials not destroyed by the tornado. These materials helped build a new, one-story church. By the 1930s, Providence had many houses.

The community's church voted to close in 1935. Later, on June 3, 1973, the church and its cemetery received a special Texas Historical Marker. This marker honors their history. A memorial service for the church is held every year. It takes place on the first Sunday of June.

By 1992, only the church, its cemetery, and a few houses remained. In 2000, Providence was shown on county highway maps. However, its population was never officially counted.

Geography of Providence

Providence is located just off Farm to Market Road 323. It is near Slocum. The community is about 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Palestine. It sits in the northwestern part of Anderson County.

Education in Providence

A school was planned for Providence on the original 8-acre land grant. The community's lodge building was also used as a school. In 1897, this school served 48 Black students. It eventually closed in 1905.

After the school closed, children attended schools in nearby communities. Another school opened in Providence during the 1930s.