Other meanings of black
Geography
Black is an unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Texas, located in the northeastern part of the state within Red River County. It is a small, rural settlement with a history tied to the region's agricultural and railroad development.
Black is situated in the northeastern part of Texas, within Red River County, approximately 10 miles northeast of the county seat, Clarksville. The community lies in the Piney Woods region, characterized by rolling hills, pine and hardwood forests, and a humid subtropical climate. It is located near the Sulphur River, which forms part of the county's southern boundary. The area is primarily rural, with land used for agriculture, timber, and cattle ranching. The community is accessible via Farm to Market Road 910, which connects it to nearby towns and highways. The coordinates are approximately 33.7°N latitude and 95.0°W longitude.
Black was established in the late 19th century, likely as a stop along the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway (Frisco), which extended through Red River County. The community was named after a local landowner or railroad official, though the exact origin is not well-documented. In its early years, Black served as a shipping point for cotton, timber, and other agricultural products. A post office operated in Black from the 1890s until the mid-20th century, when it was discontinued. The decline of rail service and the shift to highway transportation contributed to the community's stagnation. Today, Black is a dispersed rural settlement with a few homes, churches, and agricultural operations, but no incorporated government.
As an unincorporated community, Black does not have official census data, but its population is estimated to be fewer than 100 residents. The economy is based on agriculture, including cattle, poultry, and hay production, as well as timber harvesting. Many residents commute to nearby towns such as Clarksville or Paris for employment. The community has no commercial establishments, and services are limited to a church and a community center. The population is predominantly of European American descent, with a small number of African American and Hispanic residents, reflecting the broader demographics of Red River County.
Despite its small size, Black has a few notable features. The community is home to the Black Cemetery, which contains graves dating back to the 1880s, including those of early settlers and Civil War veterans. The cemetery is maintained by a local association and is listed in the Texas Historic Cemetery Atlas. Another lesser-known fact is that Black was once a stop on the Frisco Railroad's main line, and remnants of the old railbed can still be seen in the area. Additionally, the community's name has led to occasional confusion with other places named Black, such as Black in the Texas Panhandle, but this Black is the only one in Red River County. The area is also part of the Sulphur River Basin, which has been the site of fossil discoveries, including dinosaur tracks, though none have been found directly in Black.
Black is often omitted from maps due to its small size, but it appears on some detailed county maps. The community's post office operated under the name "Black" from 1892 to 1954, and its closure marked the end of an era. Local folklore mentions a legendary outlaw who hid in the nearby Sulphur River bottoms during the 1800s, but this is unverified. The Black Baptist Church, established in the early 1900s, still holds services and is a focal point for the community. The area is also known for its wild turkey and deer populations, making it a popular hunting spot.
This article is about the unincorporated community in Red River County, Texas. For other uses, see Black (disambiguation).
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