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History in
a Waterlogged Pecan Shell
Established at
the turn of the 20th Century, the town was named after local rancher
Henry H. Halsell. The town was granted a post office in 1901 although
it closed in 1919.
The town shifted its location slightly in 1903 to enjoy the benefits
of being alongside the tracks of the railroad (Red River and Southwestern)
connecting Henrietta with Archer
City.
Growth was immediate and some estimates place the population at 600.
In 1921 the railroad discontinued service which resulted in a sudden
decline.
The Great Depression took it’s toll and by 1933 there were only 36
residents served by a single business.
Oil was discovered but did not result in anything resembling a boom.
The population of 36 continued to be used through the 1960s.
The building of Lake Arrowhead in 1965 resulted in Halsell being taken
by eminent domain for the construction. The recent droughts have depleted
waters in the region and in the summer of 2014, foundations of several
old buildings came to the surface. |
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| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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