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History in
a Pecan Shell
Prior to the
county being formed (1846), the site had a large plantation (whose
name is lost to history). It had been abandoned prior to the Civil
War and new settlers began arriving before the war was over.
There were enough people to justify a post office and one opened
in 1875. Postmaster Wiley Florence is credited with naming the town
after the existing Glenwood Methodist Church (which also served
as a school).
In the mid 1880s Glenwood’s post office operated alongside a store.
Cotton gin and gristmill with a population estimated at 100. It
peaked in 1914 with 215 residents but declined shortly after WWI,
losing it’s post office.
By the time the Great Depression arrived, only the church, school
and store were left. The 1940 census counted 90 residents.
The school merged with another after WWII
and although the population has increased to 150, it is still regarded
as a dispersed rural community.
Photographer’s Note:
“Glenwood has suffered the fate of many towns by being bypassed
by a new highway. On some older maps Glenwood is shown on two-lane
State Highway 300, however a much straighter high speed, four-lane
highway has been constructed one mile to the west, leaving Glenwood
as a virtual ghost town.” - Gerald
Massey, April 30, 2012
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Upshur
County 1907 Postal Map showing Glenwood, SE of Gilmer
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
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Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
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