Gilmer in Upshur County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of the Pioneer Dickson Orphanage
Photographed by James Hulse, November 8, 2020
1. Site of the Pioneer Dickson Orphanage Marker
Only home in Texas for Negro Orphans for thirty years, 1900- 1929. Founded by W.L. Dickson, Negro Baptist Minister, only superintendent home ever had.
Orphans remained here until they reached 21, unless adopted or indentured by good families. A choir of children made goodwill trips to raise funds.
In Aug., 1929, home was deeded to the state, together with 700 acres of land and 27 buildings. Name was then changed to the Gilmer State Orphanage for Negroes, which ran until 1943, when the children (about 180) moved to state home in Austin.
Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 11306.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1929.
Location. 32° 42.989′ N, 94° 56.574′ W. Marker is in Gilmer, Texas, in Upshur County. It is on U.S. 271 0.1 miles south of State Highway 300, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located in front of the Gilmer Inn with a small parking area along Highway 271. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gilmer TX 75644, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gilgal Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Warren-Futrell House (approx. half a mile away); Croley Funeral Home (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gilmer (approx. 0.8 miles away); C.S.A. Leather Factories (approx. 0.8 miles
this page online
Also see . . . State Colored Orphans' Home. TSHA Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on November 28, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, November 8, 2020
2. Site of the Pioneer Dickson Orphanage Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, November 8, 2020
3. Halbert Hall marker from original building of the Dickson Orphanage.
Photographed by James Hulse, November 8, 2020
4. The view of the Dickson Orphanage Marker from Highway 271.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 635 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 28, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
