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History
in a Pecan Shell
Once known as Prairie Point, Oakland was on the stage line
between Gonzales
and Columbus
in the 1840s.
The town was platted in the late 1850s and an existing post office
in Lavaca County relocated here on the condition that the post office
continue under its name of Oakland – named after the estate of Texas
President David G. Burnet.
In 1861 a Masonic lodge was built and a two story building was added
in the 1870s – doubling as a school / lodge.
In 1882 Oakland Normal School was organized to train Black school
teachers. By 1884 Oakland had a population of 200 with most essential
businesses.
At the turn of the (20th) century, the population had risen to 264,
declining back to 200 through the Great Depression. The population
declined by half through the 50s and remained at 95 for the 1970 census.
From the mid 70s the population estimate of 80 has been in used on
the state map. |
Oakland
Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2006 |
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