About the Aubrey, Pilot Point and Tioga, Texas Area 

AUBREY 

Aubrey is located in Denton County, an area filled with horse ranches and early Texas’ history. Aubrey is a charming town where you can combine the quiet country pleasures of a rural society with the conveniences, culture, sports and recreation, shopping and good food found in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metro area. Denton County is a lovely rural area with farms and ranches rolling off into the distance, beautiful country estates adjacent to impressive horse properties and stables, and historic estates. The town has an excellent school system and offers many alternative programs. Less than an hour away lie the many attractions only Dallas can offer: Dallas Museum of Natural History, Meadows Museum of Art, Dallas Aquarium, Dallas Jazz Orchestra and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Union Station, the Dallas Cowboys and much more.  

LOCATION 

Aubrey is located in Denton County on I-377. Dallas is 37.6 miles away, thus placing Aubrey in the Dallas-Ft Worth metro area. Denton is 11.8 miles from Aubrey; Plano is 24 miles; Krugerville is 1.8 miles, and Cross Roads is 5.3 miles from Aubrey. 

TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS 

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Fort Worth Alliance, and Dallas Love Field are all from 30 to 35 miles from Aubrey.
The Grayson County Airport is located just south of Pottsboro or approximately 10 miles from Pilot Point. 

BRIEF HISTORY 

The early settlers to the northern area of present-day Denton County were scarce until the 1840’s when a business venture between 20 investors and a company from Pennsylvania established a settlement called the Peters Colony. When Texas gave up its dream of being a republic and joined the Union, settlements were given protection from the Indians by the U.S. Army, and a wave of immigration to the northeast Texas area was initiated. Denton County was named after John B. Denton, a pioneer preacher and lawyer who had been killed in an Indian fight in 1841. Denton County was established by the Texas legislature in 1846.

I n 1857 county residents recognized that a county seat positioned close to Pilot Point and Lewisville would be advantageous. The new county seat was called Denton and lots were auctioned off for property ownership. The first courthouse burned down, the second one was damaged beyond repair by lightening, and the courthouse that now stands in Courthouse-on-the-Square was constructed in 1895.
During the Civil War the absence of able-bodied men in these settlements made them vulnerable to Indian raids. Kiowa and Comanche Indians stole the valuable livestock from this unprotected frontier, and the time of the full moon became known as “Comanche Moon”. The last Indian raid in Denton County occurred in August 1874.
Following the Civil War Period a wave of prosperity attracted more settlers. In 1860, the Denton County population was 4,780, and the 1870s saw it grow to 18,143. Wheat and cotton farms replaced the simpler subsistence farms that had supported the settlers, and between 1890 and 1920, Denton County ranked either first or second in wheat production in Texas. Railroads contributed greatly to the development of the area, bringing immigrants and facilitating the transport of products between East and West.
Development during the 20th century contributed to northern Texas’ economic progress and recreational development. In 1920 the Elm Fork of the Trinity River was dammed to form Lake Dallas – now known as Lewisville Lake; in 1986 Ray Roberts Lake was formed upstream. Many state parks adorn the borders of these lakes today making the area rich for exploration and outdoor recreation.
Transportation links contributed more growth. Interstate 35 East was built in the 1950s and joined by Interstate 35 West in the 1970s. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport opened in 1974.
Denton County’s growth has been rapid and productive. By the 1970s the County was the fastest-growing county in the country, and continued to be among the top throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The population burgeoned from 75,633 in 1970 to 143,126 in 1980 to 276,083 in 1990 and 432,976 in 2000. Alliance Airport, completed in 1989, sparked development along I-35 West, and Texas Motor Speedway, one of the largest sports and entertainment facilities in the world, opened in 1997.
By the end of the 20th century, rural Denton County had become increasingly urban. Southern Denton County had become primarily an industrial and commercial center while the northern area remained as it had in the 19th century, filled with horse ranches and farms, producers of wheat, cotton, beef and dairy cattle. 

ABOUT EDUCATION 

Aubrey Independent School District has three school sites: Aubrey Elementary serves Pre school children through Grade 4; Aubrey Middle School covers grades 5 through 8; and Aubrey High School serves grades 9 through 12.  

Accountability Rating for all three schools is Recognized. 

During the years 1994 to 2004 the Visual Arts Scholastic Events team accumulated 84 first place regional winners, 38 state qualifiers, and 22 All-State Winners including 2 Gold Seal awards.  

Aubrey also has a program for children who are gifted and talented. It is a flexible and challenging program that takes the student’s individual talents into consideration and is designed to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. 

Aubrey offers a full range of athletic programs for their students: baseball, basketball for boys and for girls, football, softball, track, volleyball, golf, wrestling, and tennis. 

PILOT POINT 

Pilot Point is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Ray Roberts, which makes many recreational activities a favorite pastime for the town’s lucky residents. Fishing water-skiing, swimming, camping, picnicking, and boating are some of the sports actively pursued, and two state campgrounds are located minutes away.  

The old town square is lined with buildings of historic interest, antique shops; a lovely gazebo adorns the center of the square. A relaxed stroll around the square will find you enjoying charming cafes and eateries, unique gift shops, and a variety of retail stores.  

Pilot Point is nestled among the gently rolling hills of Denton County. In addition to the historic town square, the town sports two thriving shopping centers, a modern medical complex, an excellent library and schools, new subdivisions, and fine churches. 

Ray Roberts Lake is a 30,000-acre reservoir. The Ray Roberts Lake State Park Complex actually consists of two park units, Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch, six satellite parks each with its own character and beauty, Wildlife Management Areas, wetlands, waterfowl sanctuaries, and the 20-mile Ray Roberts Lake/Lake Lewisville Greenbelt Corridor. This environmentally rich area provides a multitude of outdoor activities; water sports, horseback riding, fishing, backpacking, hiking, picnicking, and bird watching are just a few. Isle du Bois State Park is 1400 acres large and attracts visitors to its scenic beauty as well as to its abundant recreational activities, while Jordan Branch Park is home to the luxurious Lantana Ridge Lodge.
Pilot Point was chosen by the Texas Historical Commission as a Texas Main Street City for the year 2002. Affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Texas Main Street Program is among the most successful downtown revitalization programs in the nation. 

LOCATION 

Point Pilot is located in Denton County on I-377. The cities nearest Point Pilot are Tioga (5.7 miles), Aubrey (6.4 miles), and Krugerville (8.2 miles). Plano (pop over 200,000) is 28 miles from Point Pilot, and Dallas lies 42.9 miles away. 

TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS 

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Fort Worth Alliance, and Dallas Love Field are major airports conveniently located to Denton County, which provide flights to both local and international destinations.
The Grayson County Airport is located just south of Pottsboro or approximately 10 miles from Pilot Point. 

BRIEF HISTORY 

As early as 1845 settlers from Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri made their homes in the Pilot Point area. Some chose the black-land prairies to the east, some the sandy, wooded land to the west. The name Pilot Point has an interesting history. The highest point of land in the area was a small hill covered by oak trees. A magnificent cottonwood tree stood among the oaks and could be seen from a great distance. The height of this wooded area made it a landmark and guidepost for Indians, settlers, rangers, and travelers; hence, the name Pilot’s Point, later changed to “Pilot Point”.  

Located on a land grant, this attractive settlement appealed to permanent settlers. The town plat was recorded in 1854 and land was apportioned off and sold to interested parties. Dr. R. W. Eddleman was one of the first men to build his home there. He became the town physician.

Beginning in mid century cattlemen began to graze their herds and eventually became owners of large cattle ranches. The town began to develop as well: a grist mill was built, general merchandise store, the first post office was established, a school opened, two churches were organized, and by the time of the Civil War, the community was well established. With the onset of the war men from Pilot Point left to join the Confederate forces, leaving the townspeople open to cattle and horse theft. Law enforcement was taken over for some time by a group of townspeople called the “Regulators” and enforcement continued to be problematic for some years.  

After the war education became a focus of importance. In 1872 the Pilot Point Seminary was established, which later became Franklin College. Public Schools came into being in 1894. Communication with other areas was facilitated by the Butterfield Stage, which brought mail and passengers, and in 1877 the first telegraph line reached Pilot Point. The town’s first telegrapher was Ed Reaves, son-in-law of former Governor Throckmorton, and later the chief telegrapher at the White House. In 1880 the first railroad line reached Pilot Point, and by the 1880’s two railroads provided passengers and goods to the area. The largest cotton gin in the U.S. at that time was built in the area and the first bank opened in 1884.

After the turn of the century Point Pilot was an active marketing hub for farmers and ranchers; by the 1920’s the town boasted fifty business establishments, three banks, nine churches, a free public school system, and other community clubs and organizations.  

Later years have seen the economy of area move toward the predominance of horse ranches and industrial developments, although cattle ranching and farming remain strong contributors to the area’s productivity. 

ABOUT EDUCATION 

There are four schools in the Pilot Point Independent School District providing instruction to approximately 1400 students. PP Elementary School serves children from Pre-School age through second grade; PP Middle School, covers grades 3, 4, and 5; Intermediate School serves 6, 7, and 8th graders, and PP’s Selz High School covers grades 9 through 12.  

State Accountability rating is Academically Acceptable for all four schools for the year 2004. 

The County of Denton has several excellent private school options such as, Denton Calvary Academy, Immaculate Conception School, Liberty Christian School, and the Selwyn School. 

The University of North Texas and Texas Women’s University are located in the county seat of Denton. Texas Women’s University graduates more health care providers than any other university in the state.  

TIOGA 

Tioga is a town in Grayson County, in the Sherman-Denison metro area having an estimated population in 2003 of 842. The name Tioga is derived from a New York Indian word meaning "swift current" or "fair and beautiful”. Each year the town recognizes the celebrity born and schooled there, Texas’ famous cowboy, Gene Autry, at the Annual Gene Autry Music Festival held in September. This festival features a dinner, benefit auction, and dancing to live country western music. Lots of activities and things to do! Another Tioga treat is the famous barbecue restaurant, Clark’s Outpost. Opened in 1974 Clark’s has been recognized in magazines and frequented by world travelers and superstars. Not to be missed! 

Also located nearby in Grayson County, is Austin College, a 4-year, coeducational liberal arts college, which offers Bachelors degrees in five major areas of study.  

Tioga is near to some of the best recreational facilities and state parks. In 1989 Lake Ray Roberts opened its 30,000 acres of beautiful waters, which offers camping, swimming, sailing, fishing, and boating to many visitors and families from all over. The State Park also has nine miles of trails for hikers and bicyclists. Eisenhower State Park, with 423 acres, is located in Grayson County on the shores of Lake Texoma. Some of the park’s activities include picnicking, hiking, biking, nature study, fishing boating and boat rentals, water skiing, swimming, and wildlife observation, and a variety of camping areas. Bonham State Park is a 261-acre park located in Fannin County northeast of Dallas, which includes a 65-acre lake, rolling prairies, and woodlands.  

LOCATION 

Tioga is located in Grayson County on I-377. Cities nearest to Tioga are Pilot Point (5.7 miles), Collinsville (6.4 miles), and Lake Kiowa (9.2 miles). The Dallas Metro area is 47 miles from Tioga.  

TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS  

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Fort Worth Alliance, and Dallas Love Field are less than 50 miles from Tioga, and provide air transportation both local and international. 

BRIEF HISTORY 

The community of Tioga was founded in 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Railway reached the site. The crew used water from a local well and named the site “Tioga”, a New York Indian word meaning "swift current" or "fair and beautiful."
The first postmaster was a doctor, Dr. J. S. Nichols. In 1884 the community had two churches, a school, a cotton gin, a grocery, a general store, a pharmacist, a carpenter, a blacksmith, and a population of 60. By 1892 the population was 600, and in 1896 the town was incorporated, at which time it also had added a military academy, a gin and gristmill, and restaurant.
Tioga experienced a population boom due to the discovery of springs rich in minerals. In 1884 the town blacksmith burned his hand, and was said to have healed his wounds in the local water. The mineral waters became known for their positive effects on health. The Tioga Mineral Wells Company was chartered in 1902. Wells were dug, a bottling plant was built, and the water was marketed. Several bathhouses were built offering mineral baths with curative powers. The town became known for its healing springs. It was said that ten trainloads of visitors came to Tioga each day, and by 1925 the population had peaked at 777.
Tioga gained national recognition as the birthplace of the legendary cowboy and singer, Gene Autry. He was employed as a telegraph operator at the Tioga train depot and spent his spare time playing the guitar and singing for passengers and the townspeople. In 1937 an effort to change the town’s name to Autry Springs was made but was unsuccessful. Many of Autry’s ancestors are buried in the Indian Creek Cemetery, which lies west of Tioga. The town continues to recognize its celebrity in the Annual Gene Autry Music Festival given in September.
In 1940 Tioga had a population of 638, a post office, and sixteen businesses. The resort business had declined; but in the 1970s an attempt was made to revive the town and the water bottling business. Old storefronts were renovated, an antique center was started, and many of the town’s commercial buildings were auctioned off in 1982. In 1989 Tioga had a restaurant, a leather store, several convenience stores, and six churches. Many residents commuted to nearby cities to work. There is an historical marker noting the baptism and funeral dates of Samuel T. Rayburn. The population of Tioga in 1980 was 380. In 1990 the town had 525 residents and six businesses.  

ABOUT EDUCATION 

Tioga Independent School District is a K-8 district located in the southwest corner of Grayson County. As a single campus district there is average of 170 students in Pre-kindergarten through Eighth grade. 

Students from Tioga attend Gunter High School, which has an Exemplary Accountability Rating. Gunter High School is about 10 miles from the Tioga school site. 

State Accountability Rating for Tioga ISD is Recognized for the year 2004. 

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