Near Crockett in Houston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Hopewell Community and Gudeblye School

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 19, 2025

1. Hopewell Community and Gudeblye School Marker

Inscription. The Hopewell Community began as a freedmen's town in the 1870s. At its height it included homes, farms, small businesses, a church, and a school. Established on land once owned by an anglo teacher named Good Blye (Bly), the school's name evolved into Gudeblye over the years. In 1925 it became a part of Houston County's Agricultural Training School program, and by 1949 it was annexed to the Crockett School System. Descendants of the early settlers and alumni of the school still reside in the area.

Lower Plaque
Franklin Columbus "Peter" Fleeks (1865-1944), black educator and farmer, gave family ranch land in 1906 & 1916 for Gudeblye Houston County Training School.

Erected 1990 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11203.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 31° 15.494′ N, 95° 21.722′ W. Marker is near Crockett, Texas, in Houston County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 287 and County Road 4120, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 287. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5766 US-287, Crockett TX 75835, 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

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within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stanton Cemetery (approx. 5.3 miles away); Beeson-Box Cemetery (approx. 6.4 miles away); Givens Homesite (approx. 6½ miles away); Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 6½ miles away); First Baptist Church of Crockett (approx. 6.8 miles away); Spence-Chamberlain House (approx. 6.8 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Crockett (approx. 6.8 miles away); Monroe-Crook House (approx. 6.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crockett.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 19, 2025

2. Hopewell Community and Gudeblye School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 23, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.