Region: Piney Woods
In 1855 with the westward expansion, a post office called London was
established and served until 1876. Agriculture was the main source of income
until 1930 when the discovery of oil a few miles from the community caused a
boomtown almost overnight. Another post office was established in 1931, but
since there was a post office named London in Southwest Texas, New London was
chosen. A tragic school explosion in 1937 killed almost 300 children and
teachers. A cenotaph of Texas granite was erected in front of the new school in
1939 in tribute to those who lost their lives in the worst school disaster in
U.S. history. Agriculture, cattle and oil-related businesses still form the
economy.
Nearby Cities: Kilgore, Tatum, Carthage, Joinerville, Hallsville, Quitman, more...