Burkeville is an unincorporated community in northern Newton County, Texas, United States.[1] It sits at the intersection of State Highways 63 and 87, 10 miles west of the Sabine River. The Burkeville Independent School District serves the resident students.

Burkeville, Texas is located in Texas
Burkeville, Texas
Location of Burkeville
Burkeville, Texas is located in the United States
Burkeville, Texas
Burkeville, Texas (the United States)

Historical development

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The town was named for John R. Burke, a well-educated and wealthy man from New York who took up residence there.[2] He donated the land tract that would be used for the county courthouse. The plots for the town were laid out in 1844, and within three years the residents there petitioned to become the county seat. Over several years, the county seat would switch between Burkeville and Newton until the state legislature ordered that Newton should remain the permanent county seat in 1856.[3] The town also served as an arsenal of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Agriculture and trade would keep the economy prospering until the lumber industry would add to the local market. In 1906, a catastrophic fire consumed all of the town's businesses excluding one.[3]

Recreation

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The nearby Toledo Bend Reservoir is used for recreation by the locals as well as tourists and freshwater fishing enthusiasts.

Burkeville has a long-standing tradition of football excellence in the state of Texas. The Burkeville Mustangs won state in football in 1986 and 2001 in class 1A.

Notable people

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References

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31°0′0″N 93°40′5″W / 31.00000°N 93.66806°W / 31.00000; -93.66806