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History of East Caney

History of East Caney
  • PublishedFebruary 25, 2023


East Caney Baptist Church/ Pastor LaVelle Hendricks

DETAILS

Historical marker: no marker

Location: County Road 2310

Information: The East Caney community is a historic settlement located in Hopkins County, Texas, that dates back to the mid-19th century. The community was established by African American settlers who were former slaves, and their descendants. Over the years, the East Caney community has played an important role in the history of Hopkins County and has been an important center of African American culture and heritage.

According to Texas Handbook, the East Caney community was established in the mid-1800s by African American settlers who had been freed from slavery. The settlers were drawn to the area by the availability of land and the promise of a new life. The community was established on the banks of Caney Creek, so-named for its tall cane growing on its banks, and  quickly grew into a thriving settlement.

Over the years, the East Caney community became an important center of African American culture and heritage. The community had its own schools, churches, and businesses, and it was known for its strong sense of community and its dedication to education and progress.

One of the most important institutions in the East Caney community was the East Caney School, which was established in 1897. The school was an important center of education for African American children in Hopkins County, and it played a critical role in the community’s development. The school was eventually integrated into the Hopkins County school system in 1963 during the end of school segregation

Another important institution in the East Caney community was the East Caney Baptist Church, which was established in the late 19th century. The church continues to be an important center of worship and community life for African Americans in Hopkins County, and it played a critical role in the community’s development.

Some of the early prominent families in the East Caney community include: the Young family, the Ricks family, the Lewis family, the Gipson family, and the Ross family.

The Young family was known for its dedication to education, and several members of the family served as teachers in the community’s schools. Johnnie Mae Young, a member of the family, went on to become a renowned educator and was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2006.

The Ricks family was known for its musical talents, and several members of the family were accomplished musicians who performed in the community’s churches and other venues.

The Lewis family quickly became an important part of the community’s business and economic life. Several members of the family owned and operated successful businesses in the community, including grocery stores and other retail establishments.

The Gipson family was known for its strong faith and dedication to the East Caney Baptist Church, and several members of the family served as pastors and deacons in the church.

The Ross family was also an important part of the community’s educational and cultural life. Several members of the family were educators and musicians, and they played important roles in the development of the community’s schools and cultural institutions.

Over the years, the East Caney community has faced many challenges, including segregation and discrimination. However, the community has remained strong and resilient, and it has continued to play an important role in the history of Hopkins County.

Today, the East Caney community is still an important part of Hopkins County’s history and culture. Many of the historic buildings and sites in the community have been preserved, and members of the church gather in praise faithfully every Sunday.

Citations:


“East Caney, Texas.” Handbook of Texas Online, Texas State Historical Association, www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/east-caney-tx

“Johnnie Mae Mackey Young.” National Teachers Hall of Fame, www.nthf.org/johnnie-mae-mackey-young/

“Ricks Family.” African American History in Hopkins County, Texas, Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference, www.hcaalc.org/ricks-family.

“Ross Family.” African American History in Hopkins County, Texas, Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference, www.hcaalc.org/ross-family

“East Caney Baptist Church.” Texas Historic Sites Atlas, Texas Historical Commission, www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/state-historic-sites-atlas/east-caney-baptist-church

“East Caney School.” Texas Historic Sites Atlas, Texas Historical Commission, www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/state-historic-sites-atlas/east-caney-school



Written By
Taylor Nye

Taylor Nye is the editor of Front Porch News. She has degrees from the University of Wisconsin in human biology, Latin American studies, and public health. She has previously worked at the Wisconsin State Journal, Tucson Weekly and Sulphur Springs News-Telegram. As a sixth generation Hopkins County resident, she loves celebrating our heritage and history.