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History
in a Pecan Shell
Originally called New Prospect in 1859 when
Hiram Daily, physician and Methodist minister platted the town and opened a store
here.
A few years later a resident from Bolivar, Tennessee decided that
the town should be renamed after his former town. According to myth, drinks were
bought for those voting for the name of Bolivar and the plan went as expected.
Cattleman John Chisum had a ranch near Bolivar but later moved his operations
to West Texas. Perhaps it was to avoid confusion with the Chisholm Trail which
was only three miles west of town.
Bolivar was bypassed by the railroad
in 1866 and most residents and merchants were drawn to Sanger,
Texas.
Bolivar soldiered on with its reduced population and enjoyed
a brief economic jolt with the discovery of oil in and around the town during
the 1940s and 50s. After WWII
the population was recorded as just over 100 – declining to a mere 40 by 1980.
The same figure was given for the 2000 census.
Bolivar
Cemetery Historical Marker |
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Entering Bolivar
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, August 2009 |
Bolivar Grocery
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, August 2009 |
1908 Bolivar Cemetery
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, August 2009 | |
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