|
History in
a Pecan Shell
Originally, the
town was known as Zion. A post office was granted in the late
1870s. Zion had a variation of the all-too-familiar story of “railroad
arrives – move town” – but in this particular case the rails were
only a quarter of a mile (south). New development had the same effect
and the older part of town was eventually abandoned.
The change in name came about when Eli Smith donated land for a church
and community cemetery. For his generosity, Eli became the town’s
namesake.
A fire in 1890 did a considerable amount of damage but by 1990, Smithfield
had a respectable population of 137 and a solid reputation as a shipping
point.
The population of Smithfield remained small until WWII
when Fort Worth built
factories. After the war, the population was around 350. Smithfield
held its own until 1958 when it was annexed by North Richland Hills.
The name Smithfield remains on the cemetery and a historical marker
placed there – as well as several local businesses. |
Historical Marker:
Smithfield Rd. & Main St., North Richland Hills
Smithfield
Cemetery
Eli Smith (1848-79),
for whose family the town of Smithfield is named, came from Missouri
to Texas about 1859. In the early 1870s he donated part of his farm
for the cemetery. The oldest marked grave is that of an infant, Mattie
J. Brownfield, who died on Oct. 13, 1872. More than seventy-five graves,
including that of Eli Smith, date from the 1870s. Pioneer physician
Lilburn Howard Colley (b. 1843), for whom nearby Colleyville is named,
was interred here in 1924. Numerous Civil War veterans, including
men from both the Union and Confederate Armies, are also buried here.
1983 |
Tarrant
County County 1920s map showing Smithfield
(Above "AN" in "TARRANT")
From Texas state map #10749
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
|
|
HOME
