History of Keene
In 1892 a group of citizens living near Dallas chose a committee to purchase land for a school in Johnson County. This committee financed the purchase of 800 acres a few miles east of Cleburne for $ 8,000.
They brought all their belongings in covered wagons and began to clear the land and build houses, most living in tents during the first few winter months.
In January 1893, the first school building was completed, and the school, known as Keene Industrial Academy, opened with 56 students. The principal was C. B. Hughes. The school building doubled as the first Seventh-day
Adventist Church in Texas, organized with 67 members.
Local citizens began raising $ 3,000 to get a passenger train on the 10-mile stretch from Cleburne to Egan. On December 20, 1902, the first train, operated by a steam engine, pulled into town with Keene as its only stop. The train included a coal car, wooden baggage car, and a passenger coach. This served as the primary means of transportation until 1923.
By 1926, the old railway started to disappear and plans for a new highway began. Old Betsy, the name given to the famous steam engine by the locals, is now the name of Keene’ s main street, which follows parallel to the route of the original railroad track.
In 1934, the first post office was opened and gave the town its name( See Page 14). In 1955 the city was incorporated.
Over the years, Keene has been home to many industries including more than 20 broom factories, a printing press, a cabinet manufacturer, Villa Inn Motel, various gas stations and grocers, and more. While many longtime residents recognize that progress is unavoidable, there are still those who like to remember Keene the way it used to be... a small, bedroom community where residents knew their neighbors and their neighbors became their friends.
OLDBETSY
DENTAL
OF KEENE
YOUR TRUSTED FAMILY DENTISTS
817-641-2272
104 Old Betsy Rd, Keene, TX 76059 www. oldbetsydentalofkeene. com
Adult and Pediatric Dentistry
• Full Exams & X-Ray
• Dental Cleaning
• Fillings, Root Canals & Extract
• Full & Partial Dentures
• Crowns & Bridges
• Dental Implants
ABOUT US
Our practice is dedicated to providing high-quality care tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. We take pride in ensuring exceptional care for every smile. If you’ re searching for a trusted dentist in Keene Texas, look no further— our keene dentists team is here to help.
Keene Chamber of Commerce 2025 13