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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.
|
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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
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
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