FLINT, TEXAS

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History in a Pecan Shell

In 1882 the town was granted a chance at longevity by becoming a stop on the Kansas and Gulf Short Line Railroad. Named after local landowner, Robert P. Flynt, the town became known as Flint in 1887 after the postmaster misspelled the name on the application. One can imagine the irritation of namesake Robert Flynt when he became the postmaster the following year.

By 1890 the population was a mere 25 but the town had three gins to process area cotton and even had a doctor. Eight years later around 100 local families were growing vegetable crops, mostly tomatoes and cabbages, peaches and canteloupes.

By 1914 the population peaked at 450, declining to 200 in the mid 1920s. About that time the original frame school was demolished to make way for a two-story brick building.

The Great Depression took its toll, followed by WWII. By 1950 the number of residents was down to a mere 150. Another blow was dealt in 1953 when the Flint ISD merged with schools in Tyler. In the early 1970s two churches and a cemetery were shown on the county map and the old school became the town community center.

But according to the Handbook of Texas: “In 1989 an incredible thirty-seven businesses and a post office were reported. In 1990 the population was still recorded as 150, but in 2000 it had increased to 700.”