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History in
a Pecan Shell
Originally named Salt Lake when it was developed at the turn of the
(20th) century, it was later renamed to honor the man who had discovered
it in 1875. Major General William Rufus Shafter was a veteran of the
Civil War, Indian Wars and the Spanish-American
War. Shafter died at his California Ranch in 1906.)
James T. Cumley, local editor, was Shafter Lake’s biggest booster.
Cumley published glowing reports of the fledgling community in his
newspaper and then sent copies out across the country, hoping to lure
new residents.
The town was platted in 1907 and before the end of that year, there
were an estimated 50 houses. A post office was granted that same year
and a cemetery was established the next. Plans for a railroad
connection never materialized, but nevertheless, Shafter Lake reached
a respectable population of 500 residents by 1910.
That same year the town entered into a “county-seat war” with nearby
Andrews. Shafter Lake lost and suffered
the inevitable fate of towns that lose such fights. A large portion
of the population relocated to the winning town, leaving little sign
that the community once throve. Even the cemetery became a ghost –
leaving behind the remains of the dozen or so people who had the misfortune
of dying in a soon-to-be ghost town. |
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Last
remains of the original town
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February 2008 |
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