|
History in
a Pecan Shell
The town was
given a name with the arrival of the Pecos Valley and Northern
Texas Railroad in 1898. Originally known by the railroad’s designation
of Parmer Switch, both town and county were named after Martin
Parmer who was one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
200 acres of
land that had belonged to the XIT
Ranch were surveyed and a one story wood frame courthouse was
built at Parmerton Hill which was equidistant between Bovina
and Friona. A post office opened
in September of 1907 but closed eleven months later. Parmerton became
Parmer County seat in May of 1907, but it wasn’t a popular decision.
On December 10, 1907 a second election was held declaring Farwell
the new seat of government. Parmerton didn’t have time to develop
a town center, so there was little to move to Farwell
save the residents.
Today only the historical marker and a railroad switch mark the
town that never got a proper start.
|
 |
Historical Marker:
US 60, about 5.5 miles NE of Bovina
Site of Parmerton
Founded as Parmer
Switch on Pecos & Northern Texas Railroad in 1898. In 1906, became
site of a model farm. Using Campbell dry farming method, run by Capitol
Freehold Land & Investment Company.
In 1907, Parmerton Townsite Company bought 200 acres of the farm and
laid out a town, which was designed first county seat that same year.
A post office was soon established.
When, in late 1907, Farwell was elected new county seat, Parmerton's
citizens departed, taking homes and other buildings with them. Only
the railroad switch marks the site today.
(1971) |
Parmer
County 1940s map showing Parmerton
between Friona and Bovina
From Texas state map #4335
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| 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. |
|
|
HOME
