History Lesson:
Bells, Texas, located in eastern Grayson County on U.S. Highway 82, originated as the settlement of Dugansville in the early 1870s, established by Daniel Dugan. It developed rapidly with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific and Missouri, Kansas and Texas railways, formally incorporating in 1883 and adopting the name Bells in 1879.
Early History and Development
- Settlement: Daniel Dugan settled the area in 1835, but the community did not develop until the 1870s.
- Dugansville: Known as Dugansville from 1871–1878, the area was named for local pioneers.
- Railroad Town: The town grew in the 1870s due to the intersection of two major railroads, the Texas and Pacific and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (Katy).
- Name Origin: The name was changed to Bells in 1879, possibly in honor of Edward R. Bell, a railroad official involved in the Denison & Southeastern Railway, or due to the ringing of church bells upon the railroad's arrival.
- Early Economy: By 1900, the town had grown to 400 residents with 20 businesses, a school, churches, and a weekly newspaper, the North Texas Courant.
Incorporation and Growth
- Incorporation: The town incorporated in 1881 (some sources cite 1883).
- "Crossroads of Friendliness": Known by this nickname, it served as a local agricultural center with gins and mills.
- Post-War Growth: After a slowdown during the Depression and World War II, the population began a steady increase, growing from 600 in 1955 to over 1,500 by 2020.
Today, Bells is a growing city in the Sherman–Denison Metropolitan Statistical Area, maintaining a mix of rural and suburban life.
Cache Information:
This is a two stage multi-cache. At stage one is a State of Texas Historical Marker commemorating the history of the First Baptist Church of Bells. Read this marker and find the answer to the question below. The correct answer will lead you to the final. The final is in a nearby cemetery.
What year is NOT listed on the Historical Marker?
1954-- N 33 36.623 W 96 24.118
1896-- N 33 36.582 W 96 24.187
1872-- N 33 36.618 W 96 24.111
1879-- N 33 36.609 W 96 24.064
1884-- N 33 36.593 W 96 24.119