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History
in a Pecan Shell
Despite colorful
stories (like coffee
trees growing from spilled beans), Coffeeville is named after early
settlers.
Coffeeville used to be considered the destination when people headed
west from the then-booming riverport of Jefferson.
Wagon trains resupplied there. Between 1845 and 1866 Coffeeville received
an influx of plantation owners from southern states who had decided
to sell their expensive land back east and buy new holdings in the
much cheaper area. A post office was opened by 1852 and during that
decade, the town throve with three doctors, a large hotel, four stores,
a Masonic lodge and even an academy.
During its heyday, Coffeeville had several blacksmiths and recreational
activities included a pool hall and more than one saloon. Governor
Edward Clark suggested that Coffeeville host a Confederate
training camp - which was done. But after the war when the railroad
came through Upshur County, the town was bypassed. From 200 people
in 1887, it has already shrunk to 153 by 1904. The Coffeyville post
office closed in1915.
During the Great Depression, fifty die-hard residents kept the town
on the map - it remained at that level (census figures are sometimes
reused for decades) through 1990. Today nothing resembling a town
remains - it is now considered a dispersed rural community. |
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Coffeeville Historical
Marker
Old Coffeeville,
C. S. A.
Ferry point near
this site on Big Cypress. Important town of 1850's, with an academy,
2 dry goods stores, 2 groceries, drug store, 3 doctors, Methodist
and Presbyterian churches, a hotel and Masonic lodge.
During Civil War, lived up to its name, selling coffee
when other towns had none.
Had a Confederate camp of
instruction, one of three in Upshur County, established in response
to June 8, 1861, call of Governor Edward Clark for such camps to be
set up at expense of local citizens. Trained infantry and cavalry. |
Camp Talley -
Civil War Recruiting Camp
Photo courtesy Barcaly
Gibson, 2007 |
1858
Upshur County map showing Coffeeville
(NE of Gilmer, above "H"
in "UPSHUR")
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 vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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