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  Texas : Towns A-Z / Central Texas S / Ghost Towns : Kirtley

KIRTLEY, TEXAS

Once known as Primm, Texas

Texas Ghost Town
Fayette County, Central Texas S
Highway 71
12 Miles West of La Grange
4 Miles East of Smithville
Population: Unknown

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cows grazing levee of Colorado River, Kirtley Texas

Grazing on a levee of the Colorado River
TE photo, February 2007

History in a Sandbox

The town, which is now divided into North Kirtley and South Kirtley (by Highway 71) is identified simply as Kirtley by one of those simple green signs. The town dates back to 1831 when it was owned by one William Barton. Part of Barton's land was sold to William Primm by 1840 - and a community named Primm grew around the Barton Creek cemetery. The name is kept alive today by Pimm's Lake - but many local residents are unaware that there had once been a town here.

Barton's Creek, which is said to be named after Wayne Barton, veteran of San Jacinto, flows 11.5 miles from its source upward into Bastrop County and then returns to Fayette County to its mouth on the Colorado, 2.5 miles east of present-day Kirtley.

The lone store that had operated in Primm moved to the highway and the community became known as Kirtley (origin unknown). A post office had been in operation from 1902 through 1927. Due to the proximity to Smithville and La Grange, Kirtley was left in an economic limbo producing only sand and gravel - an operation which is still doing business alongside the railroad tracks. The extracted sand and gravel has removed whatever was left of Primm.
Kirtley Texas bridge
Railroad Bridge east of Kirtley on Hwy 71
TE photo, February 2007
Kirtley Texas Barton Creek Road
The Barton Creek Road
TE photo, February 2007
Kirtley Texas road to bridge flood gauge
South Kirtley Flood Gauge
TE photo, February 2007
Kirtley Texas Barton Creek Catholic Cemetery Gate
Barton's Creek Catholic Cemetery Gate
TE Photo 2003
Kirtley Texas Barton Creek Cemetery tombstone hand holding cross
Tombstone Detail
TE Photo 2003
Kirtley Texas public school sign

Friday Austin to Houston Traffic on Hwy 71
TE photo, February 2007

Kirtley Texas sand pit

Sand Pit or UFO Crash Site? "North" Kirtley
TE photo, February 2007

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Kirtley Texas Forum

Kirtley/ Primm was recommended for inclusion by Theresa Schader.
Anyone wishing to share history or photos of Kirtley/Primm, Texas, please contact us.
 
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This page last modified: June 30, 2007