Though Tira was originally called "Chapman Arms" it was part of the land Francis Hopkins acquired in 1838. But, James Chapman and his family were the first permanent settlers.

A school was established in 1897 in Dr. Chapman's office. In 1903 a two story school was built. This school had two teaching rooms downstairs. The Woodmen of the World Lodge was housed upstairs. At that time the town was called Dennis Chapel. The school was consolidated with Sand Hill in about 1929. Later, a school was built halfway between the two communities.

In its heyday Tira had a number of businesses including one with a soda fountain. There were also tailor shops, a hardware store, a drug store, and general stores. The post office was established in 1898. It was discontinued in 1919.

Weir Grocery, Tira, Texas

When the post office was established Texas already had a community called Dennis Chapel so another name had to be chosen. A group of men discussed and argued about the new name into the night. Reed Bruton became disgusted, and left the meeting stating the town should be called "Tyre" after the wicked and stubborn Biblical city. After his departure the group laughingly decided to call the community Tyre, as a joke. Apparently the person who submitted the name was not much of a speller as the town name was submitted as "Tira". And so it has remained.

George W. Taylor Home, near Tira.

Do you have pictures, recollections, or stories of historic Tira that you would like to share? Email or call Bobby McDonald at Front Porch News Texas.

Some of the text and images on this web site were used with the
gracious permission of the Hopkins County Historical Society.
Thank you!