Martin's Mill, Texas

Martin's Mill is an unincorporated community in south central Van Zandt County, Texas, United States. The community is at the junction of Texas Farm To Market Roads 2909, 858, and 1653, roughly 30 miles west of Tyler, Texas and 80 miles east of Dallas, Texas. Though unincorporated, the community is one the fastest growing rural areas in East Texas.

History

The community derives its name from Daniel G. Martin, who owned a gristmill that was built just before the start of the American Civil War. Martin was revered for his generosity and character, and the citizens named the town after his mill. The land is well known for its rich and grassy pasture spaces that are ideal for cattle grazing which continues to this day. Martin's Mill formed a school district in the 1964 school year that was fully integrated due to a sizable Black population in the community. The school closed in the 1970s and students attended school in nearby Canton, but the school district was re-opened in 1981.

Present day

Martin's Mill continues to grow with many new residents building new homes and purchasing properties, but still has a very small community feel. The town has a Corner Store/Exxon Gas station, a fire station that houses South Central Van Zandt's Volunteer fire department, a Centurylink station, many churches of numerous denominations. The Community also has Mustang Park, which is owned and operated by Martin's Mill Independent School District, but is used heavily by the community. The park has a track for walking and running and a playing field, as well as tennis courts, and also Baseball and Softball fields that are used for Martin's Mill High School teams.

Education

The Martin's Mill Independent School District serves area students. MMISD is an award-winning school district that is noted for its academic excellence as well as its status as a perennial Texas high school basketball power for both Men's and Women's programs. Martin's Mill High School does not field a Football program. All of the schools are housed in the same immediate area.

Notable natives
  • Leon Black - Former head coach of the Texas Longhorns Basketball team and also coached at nearby Van High School. Black was a member of the first Mustang state championship team in the 1949 season.
  • O'Neal Weaver - Former professional Basketball player for the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Lakers and All-American player for Tyler Junior College and Midwestern State University. Weaver was also a member of the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame for his time at MMHS and also for his 500 plus victories as head coach at nearby Canton High School. Weaver was also a member of the 1949 State Champion Mustangs team.

References


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