Stoneham, Texas facts for kids

Stoneham is a small community in Grimes County, Texas, United States. It's called an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Stoneham was once part of a settlement started by Stephen F. Austin. By the year 1900, about 250 people lived there. Even though it was almost empty by 1970, the number of people living in Stoneham has grown since then.

Stoneham's Early Days

The area where Stoneham is today was first settled by people from Stephen F. Austin's group. In the 1840s, a Methodist church was built. Later, after the American Civil War, a Baptist church was added. These churches were the only public buildings until train tracks were built in 1879.

How Stoneham Got Its Name

Around 1879, farming families living near Hurricane Creek started moving closer to where a new train line, the Central and Montgomery Railway, was planned. That same year, a man named John H. Stoneham gave land for the railroad. The town was named "Stonehamville" in his honor. Later, the name was shortened to "Stoneham."

Growth and Challenges

In 1890, only about 30 people lived in Stoneham. But by 1900, the town grew to 250 residents. Many of these new residents were from Poland. However, in 1932, the town's main business area was destroyed by a fire. This caused the population to drop by about 50 people. After World War II, even fewer people lived there, with the population falling to 100. During this time, the Stoneham Common School District ran six schools: three for white students and three for Black students.

Today, Stoneham is home to High Point Elementary School, which is part of the Navasota Independent School District.

Important Historical Places

In 1995, three important places in Stoneham received special recognition. The Methodist church, the Stoneham Cemetery, and the Stoneham Community Center were all given Texas State Historical Markers. These markers are signs that show a place is historically important to Texas.

What is a Ghost Town?

By 1970, Stoneham was almost a ghost town. A ghost town is a place where most people have moved away, leaving it nearly empty. Only 12 people were living there permanently by 1970. The number stayed the same in the 2000 census, which counts how many people live in an area. However, this count didn't include everyone who lived in Stoneham. Many people didn't say they were permanent residents or weren't living there all the time.