Poolville
Poolville, Parker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The town of Poolville built up around a natural spring-fed pool in the Clear Fork of the Trinity River in Parker County. The pool, located one-half mile northeast of the present Poolville Town Square, was a well-known watering place for cattle herds on the way to market. Gradually a settlement grew around the pool area. About 1870 a saloon and a store owned by Jim Taylor provided residents a place to shop, trade, and visit. M.L. Scott operated a sawmill on the east end of the pool. About 1879 A.H. "Major" Dunn donated land for a townsite which led to business and residential growth. A log farmhouse near the pool had served as the community's first school, but after 1879 a building was erected in the new townsite for school and church purposes. Early 20th century business development included the first bank, organized in 1905; two hotels; two blacksmith shops; a post office; saddle and harness shop; wagon yard; telephone office; and a cotton gin. A newspaper, "The Poolville Searchlight" was published about 1910. Homes, churches, and schools completed the community. (1992)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Poolville took its name from a natural spring-fed pool in the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, a well-known watering place for cattle herds bound for market. A saloon, store, and sawmill drew a settlement together around 1870, and after "Major" A. H. Dunn donated land for a townsite in 1879, the community blossomed with a bank, hotels, blacksmiths, a cotton gin, and even its own newspaper, the Poolville Searchlight. Homes, churches, and schools rounded out a thriving Parker County town.
Why it matters
Poolville's rise from a cattle watering hole to a full-fledged town captures how the trail-driving era seeded permanent settlements across North Texas.
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Related people
- · A. H. Dunn
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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