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History in
a Pecan Shell
In 1887 Jim Moore,
a ranch foreman built a dugout about six miles southwest of the present
Dawn. It was bought in 1889 by J. H. Parrish who opened a general
store for area ranchers.
When the application was filled out Mr. Parrish requested "Dawn of
a New Country," or something similar. It was a little too long for
the bureaucrats so they took the liberty of shortening it to Dawn.
The first school was opened in 1891 by James N. Askren.
In 1898 the Pecos Valley and Northeastern Railway came to town and
built a depot.
Dawn prospered as immigrant farmers moved in and ranches shipped cattle.
Irrigation wells were dug and wheat was planted. During the 1920s
Dawn had the county’s first school cafeteria. In the 1940s David Rodgers
began marketing Deaf Smith corn meal, wheat berries, and stone-ground
whole wheat flour. By the beginning of WWII
the town had a population of 100 but after the war Dawn – like hundreds
of Texas towns – lost
businesses when people bought cars and moved away or started trading
in other towns. In the 60s the Dawn school was consolidated with Hereford.
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Historical Marker:
Town of Dawn
Had second post
office in county, in 1889. Named by pioneers who saw here the "Dawning
of a New Country." Santa Fe Railroad Station House (a box car) was
first building on site, 1905. Town was developed by W. E. Neal and
sons in 1914, with lumber yard, hotel, bank and store. Now center
of farming industry.
(1970) |
| 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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