Was it fate or chance that brought those Irish Catholic pioneers to what would become Talty? Let’s journey back to the origins of this Kaufman County city. Talty, Texas, a place now home to over 2,500 people, holds a captivating history. It began as a settlement known as Layden’s Ridge, later called Irish Ridge. These names reflect the strong Irish Catholic presence in the area.
Deeds legally established Talty on March 27, 1874. For years, Talty was a small rural community. It featured essential establishments like a general store, a gristmill, and a grocery and drug business. The heart of the community was undoubtedly St. Martin’s Church. The church was built in 1891 on land donated by Martin Layden.
Around the same time as the church construction, a school began educating the children of Talty. In 1899, the town received its own post office. However, it closed just a few years later in 1901. Education remained a priority for Talty’s residents. In 1902, a convent was built. Nuns from the Sisters of Notre Dame came to Talty. They administered a parochial school near the convent. A devastating fire in 1924 destroyed both the convent and the school.
Despite setbacks, Talty persevered. For many years, Talty remained a small place. Between 1900 and 1936, it had just sixteen residents and two businesses. By 1956, the population increased to sixty. By that time, Talty had three businesses. In 1966, the population reached 150.
A period of decline followed. In the late 1980s, Talty’s population dwindled to thirty-two. However, Talty experienced a remarkable resurgence. The population began to grow rapidly. By 2000, it had soared to 1,028.
Talty officially incorporated on May 1, 1999. It was initially named the Town of Talty. In 2015, the name formally changed to the City of Talty. Today, Talty is a thriving city. Interstate 20 provides easy access. Downtown Dallas is only 26 miles to the west.
Don Willett is a notable figure from Talty. He served as a Texas Supreme Court justice. Now, he serves on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Talty’s story reflects the spirit of Texas. It shows resilience, growth, and the enduring power of community. The city continues to evolve, embracing its heritage while looking forward to the future.