LEON JUNCTION, TEXAS
AKA “The Junction”

History in a Pecan Shell

Established in the 1880s, the name, of course, comes from the river. The junction was added when it was announced that a railroad would be coming through. But that particular railroad never materialized (or took a more lucrative route).

The people didn’t have to wait too long. In 1882, the Texas and St. Louis Railroad completed a line from Waco to Gatesville and Leon Junction was on the route.

The following year (1883) a post office was granted. Growth was slow and in the mid 1890s, the community still only had 50 residents.

Cotton farming was the principal livelihood and residents had a choice of three general stores to trade or barter with. Being close to the county seat with a railroad connection made growth and self-sufficiency a dream.

The population had doubled by 1914. The New Olive School with its two teachers, provided a basic education for area children. The community was hit hard by the Great Depression and the population dropped to only 25.

In 1972 the railroad quit running and only a single business and the post office remained in the 1980s. The figure of 25 remained in use for the 1990 and 2000 census.

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