“Ever dreamt of stepping back into a simpler time?” That’s exactly what a visit to Plum, Texas, feels like. This unincorporated community in Fayette County holds stories as rich as the prairie and postoak land surrounding it.
Plum began as Plum Grove. Families from Tennessee first settled here. They arrived on lands granted to Andrew Castleman and John Cooke. Plum Grove holds the distinction of being Fayette County’s second oldest community.
The Hopewell Baptist Church was significant. Now known as Plum Baptist Church, it was the first Baptist church in Texas west of the Colorado River. It also conducted the first ordination service in Texas.
In 1861, the Plum Grove Rifles formed. Captain Thomas C. Moore commanded this unit. It seems the Rifles focused on training. Members later volunteered or were drafted into other units.
By 1900, Plum boasted a post office. The town also had two churches. There were two stores plus two cotton gins. You could also find two blacksmith shops, a saloon, and a physician.
Around that time, an editor from The La Grange Journal visited Plum. He reported two stores operated there. Killough Brothers ran one store. They had built an excellent trade. Peyton Washington owned the other store with a partner.
Morgan Brothers ran the steam gin. They also farmed successfully. A Dr. Phil Chapman was Plum’s only physician. He reported the area was quite healthy.
Czech families immigrated to Plum in 1890. They came from Hovbzí, Moravia. They sought a better life away from strict Austrian rule. Catholicism soon became the predominant religion in Plum.
Initially, Catholic Mass took place in homes. Reverend Karel Beneš, a Czech pastor, first said Mass in Plum in 1893. After the first Czech wedding, Paul Kořenek converted a room into a chapel.
In 1896, John Matocha also held Mass in his home. A committee formed to build a church. Mr. J. C. Brown donated land. The wooden frame church was ready for Christmas. The first Mass was celebrated by Father Beneš.
The new church was dedicated on June 29, 1897. It was named Saints Peter and Paul Plum Parish. A feast was held with dancing and music.
Oil discovery in the Austin Chalk formation revitalized Plum in the late 1970s. While Plum’s population has fluctuated, it retains its charm.
Though small, Plum played a significant role in Texas history. From its early settlers to its religious foundations, Plum’s story reflects the pioneering spirit of Texas. Take a moment to appreciate the quiet strength of this community. It’s a reminder that even small places can have a big impact.