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| In the northeastern
corner of Denton County
- almost in Grayson
County - lies a little town just waiting to be discovered. Or
maybe not. Because with the explosive growth experienced by Denton
County in recent years (and all the problems that come with it),
Pilot Point may want to remain a well-kept secret. |
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Pilot Point,
settled around the 1850s, experienced its fair share of Indian raids
and frontier vigilantism. The town also supplied soldiers to the Confederate
cause. But things really started happening after the Civil War. In
1877 telegraph wires connecting Sherman
to Jacksboro ran through Pilot Point,
and with two railroads stopping at the town, more and more settlers
found themselves attracted to this growing community.
Pioneers, mainly of German heritage, came to Pilot Point at the urging
of land speculators Emil and Joseph Flushe, who were busily promoting
settlement in Muenster at the same
time. Germans founded the St. Thomas Catholic Church and School, which
anchored the community along with the many businesses, churches, and
schools. The German influence on the town can be readily appreciated
when looking at the old bank building. A massive stone and brick structure,
the bank helped to finance most of the buildings in town as well as
the railroads. Pilot Point also had an active African American community,
with civic organizations and successful businesses.
While Pilot Point never grew into a larger town, it certainly is facing
the threat of growth from the South. New subdivisions are popping
up around the town all the time. Nestled in the rolling prairie just
north of Lake Ray Roberts State Park, Pilot Point harks back
to a quieter time in Denton
County, before the suburban sprawl from Dallas
began stretching its claws north. Today, most of Pilot Point's high-curbed
downtown stands a little neglected, but its orderly and antique beauty
is certainly still a jewel.
© Robin
Jett |
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See also
Mustang, Texas -
Mustang, incorporated into Pilot Point, sits on Hwy 1385 in Denton
county about 10 miles north of Hwy 380. The only thing left of what
was the town is a very old church and a newer (80ish) baptist church...
more |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history
and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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