History of Oak Forest, Gonzales County


By: Stephen L. Hardin

Published: 1952

Updated: May 1, 1995

Oak Forest is on Farm Road 90A in west central Gonzales County. A post office opened there in 1877 and closed in 1925. An early dam supplied power for a gin and in the twentieth century generated energy for the Central Power and Light system. In 1892 the town's population of 100 had semiweekly mail delivery and was served by a general store, a wagonmaker, a blacksmith, a gin, and a hotel. By 1896 Oak Forest reported 200 residents, including a physician and a music teacher, and a community telephone was located in J. J. Bradbury's general store. Oak Forest enjoyed daily mail delivery by 1914. Thereafter its population declined sharply. In 1936 the town had a population of seventy-five and three businesses. By 1965 it reported no businesses and a population of twenty-five; its population was recorded as twenty-five through 2000.

TSHA is a proud affiliate of University of Texas at Austin

Places:

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Stephen L. Hardin, “Oak Forest, TX,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed March 09, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/oak-forest-tx.

Published by the Texas State Historical Association.

TID: HNO03

1952
May 1, 1995

Find out more about this place from our Texas Almanac.

Place
Oak Forest
Currently Exists
Yes
Place Type
Town
USGS ID
1342960
Town Fields
  • Has post office: No
  • Is Incorporated: No
Belongs to
  • Gonzales County
Coordinates
  • Latitude: 29.49884670°
  • Longitude: -97.58471790°
Population Counts
People Year
24 2009

Claim Your Piece of Texas History! Adopt a town, county, college, or lake and leave your mark on Texas, where people from all over will see it.

Become a part of Texas history by adopting a town, county, or lake through The Great Texas Land Rush! Whether you're honoring a loved one, celebrating a special event, or simply sharing your personal message, this unique opportunity allows you to leave your mark on the Lone Star State. Choose the location that speaks to you, customize your message, and showcase your support for Texas. Each adoption comes with a frameable certificate, so you can proudly display your connection to this great state. Adopt your piece of Texas today and help preserve its rich heritage!