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History in
a Pecan Shell
Kelly's Switch
on the Great Northern Railroad was a mile north of the present-day
intersection. John F. Kelly was a sawmill operator and the switch
was constructed to facilitate the shipping of lumber. Workers at the
mill and their dependents formed the nucleus of the village of Barado.
The year of its establishment is given as 1893 and three years later,
the first population figures came to a mere fifteen people. But even
fifteen people need a store and school and they appeared in time.
A post office appeared, but little else.
The erasure of Barado from state maps can be blamed on a single incident.
Although the date is uncertain, the mill's boiler exploded, killing
John Kelly. With no employment, the workers left for other jobs, leaving
behind a town that never really had a proper start. The ruins of the
mill are the only thing left. |
Walker
County 1907 postal map showing Barado (SE of Huntsville)
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 recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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