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History in
a Pecan Shell
Settled prior to
the Civil War, Liberty City was spread over an expanse of land. Outlying
areas of the settlement were known by several names, including Goforth.
A post office was applied for under the name of Sabine and rejected.
Re-submitted with the new name of Hog Eye, it was granted and
then abruptly closed. In the 1930s the name was changed to Liberty
City (with no explanation). 1940 found the town with its own school,
a store and a church.
After World War
II Liberty City increased population, reaching nearly 1,400 by
the late 1970s. The 1990 census reported a population of 1,607 which
increased to just over 1,900 for 2000. |
Liberty City Historical Marker
on old 135-Gladewater Hwy., 4 miles N of Kilgore
Photo courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011 |
Historical
Marker:
LIBERTY CITY
Historic rural
community in oil-rich Gregg
County. Settled before Civil War. Has also been known as Sabine,
Mount Moriah, McCrary's Chapel, Goforth and Hog Eye (for an early
settler with an "eye" for hogs). Present name adopted in early days
of famous East Texas oil
boom.
Area served by Sabine School district, established 1893; an example
of excellent schools in county. Also crossed by great system of improved,
all weather county roads-- finest in state. Center of farming, livestock
raising. Has fine churches, park and community meeting places. |
Liberty City
New Mt Calvary Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Barcly
Gibson, 2007 |
Soda
Shoppe & Blue Bell Ice Cream
Photo courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011 |
Gregg
County 1907 postal map showing Hogeye
From Texas state map #2090
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 vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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