CARMINE, TEXAS

History in a Pecan Shell

Originally called Sylvan, the name was changed to honor Newton Carmean, the first postmaster in 1892. Although it's spelled Carmine, the pronunciation remains Car-mean.

A Dr. B. J. Thigpen was promised the job of railroad agent when the Texas and New Orleans Railroad built through the area. He moved his family to Carmine on Christmas Day, 1885. Thigpen's job was to promote the town and he did. In 1900 there were four stores, four saloons, two blacksmiths shops, and a newspaper.

In 1950 Carmine had a population of 650 which declined to 239 by the mid 80s to its present estimate of 228. Carmine and Round Top share their schools. Round Top has the elementary school while Carmine maintains the high school.

The railroad track was removed sometime in the early 80s and the chamber of commerce operates from the former depot.

Carmine's bank has been robbed twice. In the 1930s by Ray Hamilton and Associates, members of the Barrow gang, and in recent years by amateurs from Austin who were apprehended before getting as far as Giddings.

Antiquing in Carmine

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