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RALLS,
TEXASCrosby
County, Texas
Panhandle
State Hwy 207
U.S. Hwys 62/82
22 miles S of Floydada
27 miles NE of Lubbock
Population: 2,252(2000) 2,172 (1990) |
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History
in a Pecan Shell
Ralls, the largest town in Crosby County was founded by John Robinson Ralls.
He was also the town’s benefactor. W. E. McLaughlin helped Ralls plat the townsite
in July of 1911.
Ralls paid to have a number of businesses and houses
moved from the community of Emma. The idea was to
be near the Santa Fe Railroad tracks – a move that rarely failed. Ralls also donated
land for a new school and in 1913 a new school opened in a $17,000 building.
Ralls plan bore fruit. Being on the railroad brought the town prosperity
unimaginable in Emma. Most importantly the railroad
brought an infusion of settlers – the lifeblood of any embryonic town.
The chamber of commerce was founded in 1917, with John’s brother Percy as president.
Ralls was incorporated in 1922 with a population of just under 1,000 Rallites.
Ralls suffered like many Texas towns during
the 1930s – but almost exactly halfway through the decade – June 19th, 1935 –
Ralls suffered one of Texas’ worst hailstorms. Two
citizens were killed and the cotton compress was left without a roof.
Irrigation improved crop production and helped Ralls withstand the droughts of
the early 50s.
City of Ralls Historical
Marker |
A
Drive Around Rall
A
photographer visits Rall |
Brick
Street, Brick Buildings and Water Tower
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, July 2009 |
Another
brick building in Ralls
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, July 2009 |
City
Of Ralls Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, July 2009 |
City of Ralls
Historical Marker Text: Founded
by John R. Ralls, who donated land for a townsite. He erected greater part of
the business district and gave free sites plus much of the cost of building each
church in town. In 1911, he contributed 12 acres for school site. He also offered
donation of 2,000 acres for site of Texas Technological College. Ralls, born in
Culloden, Georgia, November 13, 1863; moved West in 1880's. After settling litigation
with C.B. Livestock Company, sponsors of towns of Crosbyton
and Cedric, Ralls secured railroad station, 1916; city was incorporated January
6, 1922, after death of founder. | |
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