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SOUTHLAND, TEXAS
Garza County, Texas
Panhandle
U.S. Highway 84
2 Miles from the Eastern Escarpment
of the Caprock
20 Miles NW of Post
12
Miles SE of Slaton
22
Miles SE of Lubbock
Population: 00157 (2000) |
Southland
Hotel
Photo
courtesy Jim Spikes |
History in
a Pecan ShellRancher
Andrew Briggs (Sug) Robertson named the town for it being (originally) the southern
part of the V Ranch. Other large ranches were nearby and when Garza County was
organized in 1907, Southland became the trading center for the ranches.
Three years later the Pecos and Northern Railroad arrived and built a depot –
assuring prosperity.
The community was granted a post office in 1911 and
with the money invested by cereal magnate Charles Post, the region’s future looked
good. That was before the Great Depression, which hit the area with a blow from
which it never recovered.
The 1940 census counted 280 residents in Southland,
serviced by eleven businesses. Twenty years later the population was down to 153
and the 2000 census slowed nearly the same (157).
"Southland,
was originally called Bresford, and received its post office on July 14,1905
with Job Davies as postmaster. Later the name was changed from Bresford to Southland
on July 15,1910. This information comes from Jim Wheat's Post Masters and Post
Offices of Texas." - Holly Hilpert, December 05, 2011
See
1907 Postal Map >
See
Southland, Texas Forum
>
Photographer's Note:
"Southland - interesting
place... Odd that Hardware Store y Cafe on US84 failed... No retail, but with
Lubbock and Slaton
so close - no need..." - Rick
Vanderpool |
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| "The
first post master and one of the first four county commissioners appointed by
the governor was named Job Davies. He was my great grandfather. Thank you."
- Jim Spikes, January 06, 2013 |
Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share history, stories, and photos of their
town/subject, please contact
us. | |
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