Blackland TX · Historical markers

Pelham Community

7.1 mi north-west of Dawson · Directions →

Texas Historical Marker · 1975 · Marker 11621

The marker

First called Forks of the Creek, this town was settled by Black families after 1866. Wesley United Methodist Church, which housed the first school, was organized in 1878 and moved near the present cemetery in 1890. Brown's Chapel A. M. E. Church was formed in 1905 and Union Baptist in 1916. Granted a post office in 1898, the town was renamed Pelham by postmaster Lewis Richie's wife for her home in Alabama. Population peaked at 350 in 1926. The post office, schools, stores, cotton gin, and telephone company that served the village are now gone, but the community heritage remains strong. (1975)

Where it stands

Pelham community, FM 744, E side, 300 feet NE of CR 3280

See also Pelham among the places.

Source: Texas Historical Commission, Texas Historic Sites Atlas, record 5349011621, read 17 September 2026.