Dickson Orphanage
The following article about historical markers in Upshur County, Texas appeared in the 6/18/2008 issue of the Longview News-Journal newspaper:
DICKSON ORPHANAGE (on U.S. 271, one mile south of the Texas 300 intersection in Gilmer)
Dickson Orphanage was the only home in Texas for black orphans from 1900-29.Founded by W. L. Dickson, a black Baptist minister, orphans remained there until they turned 21, were adopted or indentured by good families.In August 1929, the home was deeded to the state, the name was changed to Gilmer State Orphanage for Negroes.It ran until 1943 when the children moved to a state home in Austin.