Tennessee Colony, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tennessee Colony
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 Tennessee Colony
Location in Texas
Tennessee Colony
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Anderson |
| Elevation | 364 ft (111 m) |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 150 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes |
75861, 75880, 75884, and 75886
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| GNIS feature ID | 1348366 |
Tennessee Colony is an unincorporated community in Anderson County, in the U.S. state of Texas. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had a population of 300 in 2000. It is located within the Palestine, Texas micropolitan area.
History
Tennessee Colony was established in 1847 by settlers from Tennessee and Alabama, who named their settlement for one of their home states. Cotton plantations were established, including the Jackson Plantation, which was at one time among the largest plantations in East Texas.
As of 1884 Tennessee Colony boasted a population of 200 and three churches, a school, a steam-powered gristmill, and a cotton gin. Population declined to just 100 people by 1914, rose again to 300 in 1927, but again declined during the 1930s. In 1941 there were 150 people in Tennessee Colony. Beginning in 1965 when the Coffield Unit was started, the construction and operation of state prisons have increased the local population, which was 300 in 2000.
Education
A log school opened in Tennessee Colony in 1851, and the name of the teacher was Mr. Grant Kersky. A man named Seymour tried to open a school for African American children when he arrived in the community in 1869, but the white settlers ardently opposed this and forced him to leave. It had a school in 1884. Today the community is served by the Cayuga Independent School District. Schools in the community were classified as "outstanding" and were also taught by a teacher surnamed Hooker as well as Professor Sydney Newsome. They were supported by schools from Palestine and other nearby communities. The founders of Texas Christian University were alumni of the school.
Notable person
- Mel Hall, former baseball player serving a 45-year prison sentence at the Coffield Unit.
