Celebrating Tradition in Shankleville
The Texas Purple Hull Pea Festival
If you find yourself in east Texas, make your way to Newton County, less than hour from the Louisiana border. Somewhere on FM 1415 between highways 63 & 87, you'll stumble upon what remains of the Shankleville freedom colony. It's one of over 550 such colonies established across Texas after Emancipation, many of which have been lost to time.
Since 1941, former residents of Shankleville have reunited for an annual homecoming, but if you're around in late June, you too can join the festivities at Shankleville's annual Texas Purple Hull Pea Festival.
The History of Shankleville
Shankleville's history dates back to the Reconstruction era following the Civil War when freed slaves sought refuge and opportunity in the post-war South. Among them was the Shankle family, who settled in what would become known as Shankleville. Over the years, this community flourished, building churches, schools, and a strong sense of community. Today, the remarkable story of Jim and Winnie Shankle is captured on a THC Historical Marker that stands on the southwest side of FM 1415 in Burkeville, just across from the Shankleville Community Cemetery.
Star Ingredient
The festival is an homage to one of Shankleville's staple crops: the purple hull pea. These legumes, known for their distinct color and hearty flavor, have been a dietary staple for generations in the area. But what started as a simple harvest celebration has become a cherished annual tradition attracting visitors from far and wide. These days, festival attendees can experience live music, arts and crafts, walking tours, a marketplace, and of course, plenty of delicious Southern cuisine featuring the star ingredient: purple hull peas.
One of the festival's highlights is undoubtedly the pea-shelling contest, where participants race against the clock to shell as many peas as they can. It's a fun and competitive event that showcases skill and dexterity, passed on from previous generations and honed over a lifetime.
How Legacies Endure
Beyond the festivities, the Texas Purple Hull Pea Festival holds deep cultural significance for the Shankleville community. It serves as a reminder of their ancestors' resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. For the descendants of freed slaves, the festival is a celebration of freedom, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of their forbearers.
Moreover, the festival is crucial in preserving Shankleville’s unique heritage for future generations. In a rapidly changing world, events like the Texas Purple Hull Pea Festival anchor communities in their shared history and identity. The Texas Purple Hull Pea Festival is more than just a gathering; it's a celebration of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of a community.