Graydon
Anahuac, Chambers County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The farming community of Graydon flourished along the west fork of Double Bayou at the turn of the century. Benjamin F. Sterling (1831-1917), one of the earliest settlers in the area, brought his family here in 1869. He is credited with starting a school as early as 1877. A one-room schoolhouse was erected in 1893 on land provided by Jacob Carl Johnson. In 1895 Sterling opened a post office in his general store and named it "Graydon" for his grandson. His son Ross Sterling (1874-1949)a native of Graydon, served as governor of Texas, 1931-33. In the late 1890s, real estate developers divided much of this fertile area into small farms to sell to families in the north and east. Rice, vegetables, and other crops were sent by boat down Double Bayou, the community's principal transportation artery, and across the bay to Galveston. Marion Stines (1850-1916) became postmaster in 1912 and moved the post office to his store. The second Graydon schoolhouse, built in 1915 on land given by George Banks was the site of worship services and social events. Graydon's population declined because of reverses in the farm economy, destructive hurricanes, and the rise of motor travel which isolated the community. the post office closed in 1919 and the school in 1935.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The farming community of Graydon grew along Double Bayou after Benjamin F. Sterling brought his family here in 1869, starting a school and opening a post office he named for his grandson in 1895. Rice, vegetables, and other crops moved by boat down the bayou and across the bay to Galveston, the community's lifeline. Sterling's son Ross went on to serve as governor of Texas, but reverses in farming, destructive hurricanes, and the rise of the automobile isolated Graydon until its post office and school both closed and the town faded away.
Why it matters
Graydon's rise and disappearance shows how coastal Texas farm communities lived and died by water transport before roads and hard times left them behind.
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Related people
- · Benjamin F. Sterling
- · Ross Sterling
Themes & tags
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