Norwood Community

The Handbook of Texas places Norwood six miles southwest of San Augustine on State Highway 147 and counts one school there in 1904, with 38 pupils and one teacher. Edwin Oswald LeGrand, the Declaration signer, lived from 1846 until his death in 1861 at the home of his sister, Mrs. W. C. Norwood, the Handbook's LeGrand entry says. By 1940 the community was a school and scattered dwellings, and in the 1980s dwellings, a cemetery and a church. The Texas Almanac, the Handbook adds, lists it as no longer existing.

What the plaque says

Norwood Community This rural community was settled in the 1840s by William Coleson (W. C.) Norwood (1794-1885) and Eliza LeGrand Norwood (1808-1869). They migrated from North Carolina, where W. C. was a merchant and postmaster in the town of Norwood. The Norwoods were accompanied to Texas by their nine children and extended family members. Eliza Norwood's brother, E. O. LeGrand, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, became a member of their household in the Norwood community. W. C. Norwood served as San Augustine County commissioner and was instrumental in building early county roads. James L. Norwood, son of W. C. and Eliza Norwood, also served as San Augustine County commissioner. The Norwood community included a cotton gin, grist mill, syrup mill, and a sawmill built by Hampton L. Norwood. E. O. Norwood, another of W. C. and Eliza's sons, became the town's doctor. In 1892 a school was established on one acre of land deeded by James Norwood. His daughter Cora donated land for a church in 1926. The community also included a grocery store, houses, and a cemetery. Norwood family members remain in the area, and continue to own land that once belonged to their ancestors. (1997)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Edward Oswald LeGrand — 2.5 mi
• Home of Thomas S. McFarland — 8.8 mi
• Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais — 10 mi
• Site of Home of James Pinckney Henderson — 10 mi