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The Texas marker
in Bethany
TE photo, August 2009 |
History in
a Pecan Shell
Once known by the
name of Vernon, Bethany got its current name with the opening
of a post office in 1849. Vernon was a popular stop with Southerners
transmigrating into Texas. The post office
moved to Caddo Parish Louisiana for a short time before the Civil
War.
In 1889 one of the local store owners took advantage of his store/
tavern's position straddling the state line by restricting gambling
and drinking to separate halves of the same building.
In the 1920s, a gas field was discovered which brought some prosperity
to the region in the 30s, but like most rural areas, the population
declined after WWII.
From Here and There
("Bob Bowman's
East Texas" Column):
"Each holiday, a hay bale north of Bethany, on the Texas-Louisiana
line, wishes travelers its good wishes for the reason. The last time
I was there, the hay bale was celebrating. St. Patrick’s Day. The
hay bale, of course, is decorated by the landowner." |
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Site
of Bethany Centennial Marker
TE photo, August 2009 |
Panola
County
1907 postal map showing Bethany on the Texas/Louisiana State Line
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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