History Lesson:
Savoy, Texas, located in western Fannin County, was established around 1863 by landowner Colonel William Savoy. Situated on the Texas and Pacific Railway line, it grew into a 19th-century agricultural shipping hub despite a devastating 1880 tornado and a 1890 college fire. Today, it is a small residential community.
Key aspects of Savoy's history include:
- Establishment: Named after Col. William Savoy, who arrived in the late 1850s, the community grew following the Civil War.
- Railroad and Growth: The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the 1870s transformed the town into a shipping center for cotton, corn, and grain. A post office was established in 1873.
- 1880 Tornado: On May 28, 1880, a severe tornado nearly destroyed the town, killing eleven people and leveling most businesses. The community rebuilt, and by 1897, the population reached 500 with 20 businesses.
- Savoy Male and Female College: Founded in 1876, this institution was a major educational center in the region, offering degrees to both male and female students. It was destroyed by fire in 1890 and never rebuilt.
- Modern Era: Savoy experienced a significant population increase between 1960 and 1970. The city hall and police department moved to a renovated building in 2011.
Cache Information:
This is a two stage multi-cache. At stage one is a State of Texas Historical Marker commemorating the history of Savoy Methodist Church. 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.
In what accommodations did the members first meet in on the old Whitewright road?
Train Car-- N 33 36.372 W 96 21.756
Barn-- N 33 36.409 W 96 21.783
Basement-- N 33 36.348 W 96 21.761
Schoolhouse-- N 33 36.385 W 96 21.769