U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert and State Rep. Jay Dean joined a host of Upshur County residents Saturday morning for the unveiling of a state historical marker for the historic Dickson Colored Orphanage Ceremony in Gilmer. The orphanage, “rediscovered in 2014,” was the sole orphanage for “colored children” in Texas from 1901-1943.
The Upshur County Historical Commission has raised more than $800 for improvements to the cemetery, with hopes to raise the remaining $3,700 needed. The funds will go for fencing around the site, and road surface material in the right-of-way of 271. Fencing cost is $3,000 and the road material will cost $1,500, said the commission.