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EUSTACE, TEXAS
Henderson
County, East Texas
32°18'32"N 96°0'33"W (32.308801, -96.009098)
U.S. Highway 175
11 Miles NW of Athens
the county seat
7 miles SE of Mabank
ZIP code 75124
Area codes 430, 903
Population: 1,006 Est. (2019)
991 (2010) 798 (2000) 662 (1990)
Eustace, Texas Area Hotels Athens
Hotels |
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History in
a Pecan Shell
Eustace appeared
when the Texas and New Orleans Railroad connected its line from Kemp
to Athens in 1900.
Businesses from several communities relocated to be alongside the
rails. W. L. Moseley, who had sold the railroad a right-of-way and
sold lots in the developing town, modestly named the new community
Mosely. But in that same year of 1900, a post office opened under
the name Jolo (for popular blacksmith Joe L. Pickle’s nickname). For
a short time the town was known under both names.
The name was changed later that year to Eustace, to honor Virginian
Capt. W. T. Eustace, a Confederate veteran who relocated to Henderson
County in 1867. The population in 1900 was reported as 150 residents
and within a few years the town had most essential businesses. Despite
the railroad and the businesses, growth was slow and as late as 1940
Eustace had less than 500 residents.
By 1990 it had only grown to an estimated 662. The town has benefited
from recreational areas nearby like Cedar Creek Lake and Purtis Creek
State Recreation Area and has increased its population to around 800
residents. |
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Gazebo on the
town square appears in the 2009 film Fire from Below
Photo Courtesy Barclay
Gibson, August 2013 |
From East
Texas Sunday Drive by Bob Bowman:
Athens:
Where the hamburger was invented
Athens, New York, Texas Cheesecakes, LaRue, Brownsboro, Edom, Purtis
Creek State Park, Eustace, Mabank, Gun Barrel City, Payne Springs,
Caney City, Malakoff and Cross Roads... |
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. |
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