Local family farm recognized by historical commission with marker

BY MICHELLE DILLON

MDILLON@JACKSONVILLEPROGRESS.COM

A historical marker for the Taylor and Lucy Dirden Farm was revealed Saturday. Prior to the reveal, Steph Dirden hosted a presentation, “From Slavery to Farm Legacy,” featuring family history and information on how the marker was obtained.

A portion of the program provided stated, “On May 7, 1880, Taylor and Lucy Dirden established the family homestead – defying the odds faced by African Americans seeking land ownership in one of Jacksonvillle’s most desirable areas. Their perseverance laid the foundation for a legacy that continues today, with each generation honoring their pride and resolve.”

Steph Dirden, along with his wife and sister, read details

SEE MARKER, PAGE 7

Descendants of Taylor and Lucy Dirden gather around the historical marker about the couple and the family farm.

Michelle Dillon | Jacksonville Progress

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about Taylor and Lucy Dirden, who originally purchased the farm, and their children. Dirden also introduced the day’s VIPs, people who provided assistance in his journey to learn more about his family property and eventually obtain the historical marker. After introducing each individual, Dirden explained the role each one had played.

The program also featured special music, a dance and a proclamation from Jacksonville Mayor Randy Gorham naming May 7, 2025, “Taylor and Lucy Dirden Day.”

Chester Lacy, whose sister is Steph Dirden’s mother, said the day meant a lot to him.

“There’s a creek that runs across the property back there and we used to swim in it, fish in it, whatever in it. Aunt Buelah, we came out to visit with her because she had about 20 acres and the house,” he said, noting there was no running water or electricity. “In our early teens, we just lived out here practically all the time.”

Lacy said he’d been away from the property for 40 or 50 years until Dirden began clearing a portion of the land. Lacy said he had actually cut down some of the trees.

“I think it’s a great thing for us, for the family, and for the city,” Lacy said of the historical recognition.

Several members of the Cherokee County Historical Commission were present during the unveiling of the marker.

“I designate this marker as an official Texas state marker for the Taylor and Lucy Dirden Farm,” Marker Chair Elizabeth McCutcheon said. “Congratulations to all the family.”

Commission member Patsy Lassiter thanked everyone for their hard work to make the marker possible.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together. This historic marker will stand as a testament to our pledge of commitment to preserve our heritage for future generations,” she said. “The preservation of our history is of utmost importance. It allows us to remember and honor the past, learn from it and pass down the stories and lessons to those who come after us. Today, as we dedicate this historic marker for the Dirden Family Farm we are ensuring that the legacy of this significant place will be remembered and cherished for the years to come.”

After the marker was revealed by Steph Dirden, historic commission member George Martin read the text aloud.

“How remarkable it was for Black ownership,” Martin added. “You’ve got to remember, Blacks couldn’t own land until after reconstruction and for them to own that land and the family to still own it today is very remarkable. It showed a lot of determination and perseverance.”

After much research by Steph Dirden and with assistance from the Cherokee County Historical Committee, this historical marker commemorating the Taylor and Lucy Dirden Farm was installed on the family property located on Pineda Street in Jacksonville.

Michelle Dillon | Jacksonville Progress