Near Melissa in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Corner Post of Uncle Charlie Wysong's Blacksmith Shop
Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022
1. Corner Post of Uncle Charlie Wysong's Blacksmith Shop Marker
All that remains of the Highland community is this corner post from Uncle Charlie Wysong's blacksmith shop and Highland Cemetery. From 1851-1884, the Wysong blacksmith shop was located on the Wysong's "Old Highland Farm", a "Texas Century Farm". Tornados hit the area twice but the shop was rebuilt. Marian Gibson Wysong, the last Wysong family member to live on the farm, seldom missed an opportunity to educate anyone about the significance of the post: The corner post stood as a reminder of what happened there. The blacksmith shop was the first post office north of McKinney and in operation from 1853-1873. The blacksmith shop continued to supply freighters with wagons until the railroad came in 1872 and put an end to freighting from Jefferson.
In January 2010, with development coming and the expected construction of the Outer Loop, permission was obtained from Collin County and the corner post was moved to Highland Cemetery for preservation. When the post was moved, care was taken to orient it as it was originally and to keep the depth as accurate as possible.
During removal of the post, artifacts from the blacksmith
Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022
2. The Corner Post next to the marker
this page online
Erected 2013 by Collin County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is January 2010.
Location. 33° 18.685′ N, 96° 34.231′ W. Marker is near Melissa, Texas, in Collin County. Marker is on County Highway 364, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located at the west front entrance to the Highland Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Melissa TX 75454, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Highland Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Scott-Barker House (approx. 1.7 miles away); Melissa Christian Church (approx. 1.7 miles away); Melissa School (approx. 1.8 miles away); St. Paul Baptist Church (approx. 1.9 miles away); Coffman Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Melissa Cemetery (approx. 2 miles away); First Baptist Church of Melissa (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melissa.
Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022
3. The Corner Post and Marker at the entrance to the cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 31, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
