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Coahoma United
Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2009 |
History in
a Pecan Shell
The most likely
source of the name is from Coahoma County, Mississippi, which may
have been suggested by a transplanted native. Prior to this name,
it was known as Signal Mountain after the nearby peak.
The Texas and Pacific Railroad arrived in the early 1880s on its way
to El Paso
and the community soon became a shipping point. A school opened the
same year the railroad arrived. By 1904 the town had acquired a post
office. Oil was discovered in the 1920s and the railroad increased
the importance of the town for drilling.
The population had increased to 600 by the late 20s and the town actually
gained residents during the Great Depression (to just over 800). For
the 1960 census 1,200 people were reported, hitting a high point of
2,000 just ten years later.
In 2000 Coahoma’s population had declined to 932. |
Photographer's
Note:
"This is another Interstate bypassed town, too close to Big
Spring for any reason to stop." - Barclay
Gibson, December 2009 |
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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