Jacksonville Declares May 7, 2024 “Taylor and Lucy Dirden Day”
We can imagine how overjoyed Taylor and Lucy would have been to receive such an honor in their day. The wait is over!
We are excited to share the news that Mayor Randy Gorham has proclaimed May 7, 2024 “Taylor and Lucy Dirden Day” for the city of Jacksonville, Texas.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Taylor and Lucy Dirden on May 7, 1880 purchased a 22.8-acre parcel of land; and
WHEREAS, Taylor and Lucy Dirden were both free peoples having each been born into slavery in Pike, Alabama and Cherokee County, Texas respectively; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Dirden followed the general path of most former slaves and began working the fields as a farmer; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Dirden met Lucy Grimes, shortly after his arrival to Jacksonville; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Dirden and Lucy Grimes were married on August 21, 1875 and; and
WHEREAS, Taylor and Lucy Dirden were able to save money from their years of sharecropping which allowed for the purchase of the 22.8-acre parcel of land; and
WHEREAS, Taylor and Lucy welcomed five children into their family between 1882 and 1896; and
WHEREAS, The Dirden farm has remained in the family until today. This significant location has the distinctive designation of being among the oldest properties in the state of Texas that is owned by the original family since they, as former slaves, purchased the property in 1880. It’s a remarkable achievement that the Dirden family has managed the property for 143 years, along with the support of immediate family and other extended relatives; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Historical Commission has recognized this historic achievement and has agreed to provide a historical marker at the location of the Dirden Farm.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RANDY GORHAM, MAYOR of the City of Jacksonville, Texas, do hereby declare:
May 7, 2024
“Taylor and Lucy Dirden Day”
Dedication Celebration
Contact us to request an invitation to The Dirden Farm Historical Marker Dedication Celebration on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Jacksonville, Texas.
Farm History
Read more about the Dirden story in our visual record of farm milestones, from 1848 to today.
Experience the Past; Embrace the Future
Old Well Discovery
An old brick well found on the property gives a glimpse into life on The Dirden Farm in the early days. Find out more about the Dirden family and the farm's history in the timeline.
Clearing the Property
After decades of inactivity, work to clear the farm began in late 2023. The farm has been declared a Texas historical property as one of the oldest former slave-owned properties in the state.
Steph and Corrine Dirden
Steph and Corrine were featured in the October 2023 issue of Neighbors of Lakeway & Bee Cave magazine. Steph traced his family tree, discovering ancestors he never knew existed.
Lift Every Voice
Enjoy this highlight reel taken during the Dirden Farm Historical Marker Dedication Celebration, held on April 19, 2025. We are blessed and uplifted by all who supported this monumental effort!
The events of the day are memorialized in the beautifully-designed program.