While must of us older folks remember learning about President Roosevelt and his “New Deal” (which included the Civilian Conservation Corp – CCC and the Works Progress Administration – WPA), how many of us remember (or even knew about) the Subsistence Homesteading Project?
Several years ago, some friends told us about this project and highly recommended we visit the area.
The Subsistence Homesteads Division (SHD) of the United States Department of the Interior was a New Deal agency that was intended to relieve industrial workers, miners, and struggling farmers from complete dependence on factory, mining, or agricultural work. The program was created to provide relatively low-cost homesteads, including a home and small plots of land that would allow people to sustain themselves. For most, this was the first time to actually own their own home. Through the program, 100 communities were built. Unlike subsistence farming, subsistence homesteading is based on a family member or members having part-time, paid employment.
This map illustrates the location of the 100 Subsistence Homesteading Communities. Upon studying the map, Meriam and I noticed there was one located just outside of Marshall, TX, not 30 miles from where we live. We wonder how many in our area have ever heard of this settlement. Does anyone know about this settlement?
The settlement near us was called Sabine Farms, located in Harrison County, TX. At its founding, it had 80 homesteads (number 94 on the list above).
A copy of the April 14, 1934, Chattanooga, TN newspaper discussing the Cumberland Homestead Project.
This illustrates the 251 homesteads in the Cumberland Homestead Project. Notice there were more than 2,000 applicants for the 251 slots!
An early photograph of homesteaders building their own homes. When a family first relocated to their homestead, a barn was the first building they completed. They lived in the barn until they completed building their home.
Many of the 251 homes are still standing, This is the only original home available for public viewing. Many of the original homes are still private residences. While these homes were quite small by our standards, they were light-years better than the shacks and hovels where the families previously lived.
As you will recall, this home was built in 1934, about the same time our house in Jefferson was built. Meriam and I were struck by many of the similarities between the two structures. Many of the latches and hinges are the same, as well as features such as this pantry Meriam is investigating!
A flower of a pink dogwood tree planted next to one of the many memorial plaques placed by descendants of the original homesteaders.
A typical barn the homesteader would have built and then lived in until they built their new home.
While driving in the countryside we came across this rather interesting tree/silo/barn configuration!
Cled PainterGlad you are having a great trip.
HaroldThanks, Cled.
Sandra SpencerLoved this blog! So interesting and want to know more about the Sabine Project!
HaroldMeriam and I want to find out more about the Sabine Project. The “silence” around this whole program is interesting.
MaoYou somehow find the most interesting places.I guess Meriam does a lot of research.
HaroldYou are absolutely correct. If I were to plan our trips, we would be putting 5,000 miles driving around in a circle!
Julianne S. FischerI never knew about these housing plans set up by the government. Is there anything left of the one in Harrison County?
HaroldJulianne, we don’t know. When we return, we hope to find out something.
Laura Pace OmerHow cool!
HaroldNeat place.
SherryDo very interesting!!
HaroldAs I mentioned above, we hope to find out more about the Sabine Project when we get home.
Colleen TaylorYou always share such neat information. Ty