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Elizabethtown, Texas
Elizabethtown, Texas
Elizabethtown, Texas, once a thriving settlement known as Bugtown, is now a forgotten ghost town located about fifteen miles southwest of Denton in Denton County. Established in the mid-1800s along the banks of Elizabeth Creek, the town played a significant role as a supply station for cattle drivers and pioneers. Over time, Elizabethtown grew into a bustling community with churches, schools, saloons, and businesses, but its fate shifted when the Texas and Pacific Railway bypassed it in 1881. Though the town eventually vanished, remnants like the Elizabeth Cemetery and the nearby road bearing its name serve as reminders of its historic past. Today, Elizabethtown’s story remains an intriguing piece of Texas history, with its ghostly echoes still lingering in the area.
About Elizabethtown, Texas
Elizabethtown, Texas, is a ghost town located in Denton County, near the city of Denton. Founded in the mid-19th century, it was originally a small community that served as a stagecoach stop. The town was named after Elizabeth Minter, the wife of the town’s founder. In its heyday, Elizabethtown boasted a blacksmith shop, a post office, and a few other essential businesses. However, the construction of the railroad bypassed the town, leading to its decline in the late 1800s. Today, Elizabethtown remains a historical site, with little remaining except its legacy in local history.
Elizabethtown History
Elizabethtown, Texas, once a lively settlement along Elizabeth Creek, is a ghost town that played a pivotal role in the development of Denton County during the mid-1800s. Founded around 1850 by settlers of the Peters Colony, the town flourished as a supply station for cowboys driving cattle to Kansas. It grew to include multiple general stores, hotels, saloons, and churches, becoming a hub of activity for local residents. However, its fortunes began to decline when the Texas and Pacific Railway bypassed Elizabethtown by just two miles in 1881, causing many residents and businesses to relocate to the nearby town of Roanoke. By the 1950s, the once-thriving town had largely disappeared, with the Elizabeth Cemetery as the only remaining landmark of its former existence.
The surrounding area, including cities like Roanoke, Denton, and Justin, has since evolved into a dynamic region blending Texas history with modern development. The area is home to the Texas Motor Speedway, and in recent years, large-scale projects such as Amazon warehouses have taken root near the former site of Elizabethtown, signaling potential new growth. Although Elizabethtown is no longer populated, the history of the region remains rich, and its legacy lives on through stories, local landmarks, and the ongoing development surrounding its former grounds.
Why People Love Elizabethtown, Texas
Elizabethtown, Texas, was established around 1850 by settlers of the Peters Colony and quickly grew into a vital community in Denton County. Located along Elizabeth Creek, the town became a key supply station for cowboys driving cattle to Kansas in the early 1850s. Its founders, the Harmonson family, built the town’s first homes, a church, and a school. By 1859, Elizabethtown had developed into a bustling town with six saloons, a hotel, and a post office, essential services for the growing population. The town continued to expand, adding general stores, more churches, and a Masonic lodge. However, the Civil War brought hardship, with many families moving east due to the lack of protection from Native American resistance in the frontier.
Elizabethtown’s decline began in 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Railway bypassed the town by just two miles, drawing residents and businesses to the newly founded town of Roanoke. Despite this, the Elizabethtown School District continued operating until it was consolidated with Roanoke and surrounding areas in 1946, later forming the Northwest Independent School District. By the 1950s, Elizabethtown had all but vanished, with only the Elizabeth Cemetery and a few surrounding houses remaining. Over time, the land was repurposed for development, including the Hawkwood Renaissance Faire in the late 1990s and more recently, large-scale warehouses. Although the town itself is gone, its legacy continues through local landmarks and the stories of the pioneers who once called it home.
The Best Time to Visit Elizabethtown, Texas
While Elizabethtown, Texas, is now a ghost town, its historical significance and the surrounding area make it an intriguing spot to explore. The best time to visit Elizabethtown is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor exploration. Spring offers visitors pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers across the Texas landscape, making a walk through the area or a visit to the Elizabeth Cemetery particularly scenic. Fall provides cooler temperatures after the hot Texas summer, along with the beautiful changing colors of the countryside, perfect for exploring the region’s historical sites and nearby towns like Roanoke and Denton.
Visiting during these seasons also allows for easy access to surrounding attractions, such as the Texas Motor Speedway or hiking along the trails in nearby parks. With less extreme weather, visitors can comfortably explore the remnants of Elizabethtown while taking in the broader historical and natural offerings of Denton County. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet day trip, the cooler months of spring and fall provide the perfect opportunity to delve into the forgotten history of Elizabethtown and its surroundings.
Top 10 Benefits of Living in Elizabethtown, Texas
- Rich Local History – Residents can explore the fascinating history of Elizabethtown and nearby ghost towns, offering a deep connection to Texas’ past.
- Proximity to Major Cities – Close to Denton, Fort Worth, and Roanoke, offering access to urban amenities while enjoying a quieter lifestyle.
- Affordable Living – The surrounding area, including Roanoke and Justin, provides more affordable housing options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Scenic Countryside – The area around Elizabethtown offers beautiful Texas landscapes, ideal for nature lovers seeking outdoor activities.
- Growing Job Market – With the expansion of Amazon warehouses and other businesses nearby, job opportunities are increasing.
- Strong School Districts – The Northwest Independent School District, formed from the consolidation of Elizabethtown’s original school district, is known for its quality education.
- Access to Recreational Activities – Close proximity to Texas Motor Speedway, local parks, and hiking trails provides various entertainment options.
- Small-Town Charm – The surrounding towns, such as Justin and Roanoke, maintain a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
- Convenient Transportation Links – Located near major highways, including Interstate 35 and State Highway 114, making commuting easy.
- Low Crime Rates – The area around Elizabethtown and Denton County is known for its safe and peaceful environment, ideal for families.
Elizabethtown, Texas Geography
Elizabethtown, Texas, is situated approximately 15 miles southwest of Denton in Denton County. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 33.0589° N latitude and 97.2791° W longitude. The former town site spans an area of about 0.5 square miles, characterized by a relatively flat terrain that is typical of North Texas.
The elevation of Elizabethtown is around 600 feet above sea level, contributing to the area’s gentle rolling hills. The town is notably located near Elizabeth Creek, which flows from northeast Roanoke and runs toward Rhome, Haslet, and Avondale. This creek serves as a significant natural feature of the area, providing a scenic backdrop and contributing to the local ecosystem.
In terms of proximity to larger cities, Elizabethtown is conveniently located about 35 miles northwest of Fort Worth, 50 miles from Dallas, and 7 miles from Roanoke, allowing residents to enjoy the amenities of these nationally recognized cities while benefiting from the tranquility of a rural setting. The area’s rich natural features, combined with its strategic location, make it a unique spot in Denton County.
Nearby Cities
- Roanoke – 4 Miles
- Westlake – 6.5 Miles
- Haslet – 6.6 Miles
- Justin – 6.7 Miles
- Trophy Club – 6.7 Miles
- Corral City – 6.9 Miles
- Northlake – 8.4 Miles
- Argyle – 9.8 Miles
- DISH – 10.5 Miles
- Keller – 11.4 Miles