New Hope

Rusk County, TX

Status: Located

Year Established: 1842

Council of Governments: ETCOG

Public History: There are no current descriptions related to New Hope in the public record. If you are aware of any sources that we may have missed please share them with us.

Community History: The New Hope Community has progressed significantly from its origins among the enslaved to having a voting poll established in the community in 2002. This community has produced educated preachers, policemen, farmers, principals, barbers, beauticians, servicemen, teachers, and entrepreneurs. Among the active churches formed in the community are the Corinth Christian Church, established in 1868 with the Jacobs family as founding members. Members of this family, born between 1853 and 1921, are buried in the New Hope Cemetery alongside other prominent members such as Theodore Sanders and his wife Azzie Lee Thurmond Sanders, Lucille and Gladys Daniels (1908-1986), whose family ties to the community date back to 1886.

An article in the Henderson Newspaper by John Dulin and Rusk County Historical notes recognizes New Hope as a promising Texas Freedom Colony. Almond L. Gholston’s 1953 Prairie View A&M study, “Slavery in the Economy of Rusk County, Texas,” highlights the history of the Monroe plantation, located three miles from New Hope, where some early settlers were likely slaves. Despite the challenges, the New Hope Community has thrived, demonstrating resilience, pioneering spirit, and a strong sense of family and faith.

Cemetery: New Hope Cemetary

Church: New Hope Church of Christ, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Corinth Christian Church

School: New Hope School