History Lesson:
Van Alstyne, TX, founded in 1873 along the Houston and Texas Central Railway, emerged as a bustling agricultural and trading hub after the railroad bypassed the nearby community of Mantua. Named for Marie Van Alstyne, a major railway shareholder, the town incorporated in 1890 and became a vibrant Grayson County center.
Founding and Development
- The Shift from Mantua: In the 1850s, the community of Mantua was the local hub, but when it was bypassed by the railway in 1872, residents and businesses moved to the new townsite,, eventually leaving Mantua a ghost town.
- Naming: The town is named for Mrs. Marie Van Alstyne, a shareholder in the railroad company, though some accounts alternatively suggest it was named for William A. Van Alstyne, a civil engineer with the railroad.
- Early Growth: By 1890, the town had a population of 400, two gristmills, a flour mill, a newspaper, and a college. By 1900, the population grew to 1,940, supported by banks, a grain elevator, and a chemical company.
Historical Significance and Economy
- Agricultural Hub: Throughout the early 20th century, Van Alstyne remained a central point for regional agriculture, trade, and manufacturing.
- Transportation: Located on State Highway 5, U.S. Highway 75, and the Southern Pacific line, it was geographically positioned for commerce.
- Cultural Legacy: The Van Alstyne Historical Museum, housed in the 1890 "Cartwright House," preserves local artifacts, including items from the steam locomotive era and the town's early business district.
Modern Era
- Incorporation and Governance: The city was incorporated in 1890 and adopted its first home rule city charter in May 2022, operating under a council/manager form of government.
- Development: While it experienced periods of slow growth, the town has maintained its historic character while transitioning into a modern residential community within the Sherman–Denison metropolitan area.
Van Alstyne continues to celebrate its history through its downtown historic district and local, volunteer-led preservation efforts.
Cache Information:
At the posted coordinates is a State of Texas Historical Marker. In order to figure out the coordinates to the final, read the historical marker and find the answer to the question below. The final is located a short distance away.
What was the name of the local semi-pro baseball team?
Blues-- N 33 25.293 W 96 34.482
Reds-- N 33 25. 483 W 96 34.496
Maroons-- N 33 25. 289 W 96 34.463
Grays-- N 33 25.290 W 96 34.469