FLORA

NAME: Flora COUNTY: Smith ROADS: 2WD GRID: 4 CLIMATE: hot summer BEST TIME TO VISIT: anytime

COMMENTS: Located approximately 4 miles NW of Lindale Texas on County Road 431 REMAINS: None

James K. Been settled in this area in 1845 and established a post office called Flora in 1849. John and Delila Austin and their daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Willis Jones, bought adjacent farms in 1850. Flora community grew up around their properties on the Dallas-Shreveport Road. By 1853, James Monroe Luckey had opened Flora's first store and Carmel Baptist Church was organized nearby. By 1860 the town boasted three doctors, two blacksmiths, a Masonic lodge and three stores. The hardships of the Civil War years brought about a decline of the thriving community. By 1871 all the businesses were gone, the Masonic lodge had moved to Garden Valley, and Flora became a ghost town. A state historical marker is located on County Road 431. Submitted by: John Threadgill

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