Gray County in Texas is a region filled with rich history and fascinating stories that have shaped the area. Located in the northern part of the state, this county has been home to important moments in Texas history. From Native American tribes to cattle drives, there are many interesting facts about Gray County. Here are seven of them:
1. Gray County was named after Peter W. Gray, who was an attorney and a member of the Texas legislature. He served in the House of Representatives and the Senate during the mid-1800s.
2. The county was established in 1876, just 10 years after the end of the Civil War. The same year, a town named Lefors was founded in the county.
3. Several Native American tribes once occupied the area that is now Gray County. Comanches, Kiowas, Cheyennes, and Arapahos all hunted and traveled through the area before European settlers arrived.
4. In the late 1800s, Gray County became an important hub for cattle drives. Large herds of cattle were brought up from the south and driven north through the county to markets in Kansas and other northern states.
5. During the early 1900s, oil was discovered in Gray County, which brought about a boom in the area. The discovery led to the growth of several new towns, including Pampa, which became the county seat in 1928.
6. Gray County played an important role in World War II. The Pampa Army Airfield was built in 1942 to train pilots and crews for the war effort. In total, over 6,000 pilots were trained at the airfield during the war.
7. Gray County is also the site of the last public hanging in Texas. A man named J.A. Buchanan was executed in the town of Pampa in 1928 for the murder of a couple during a robbery.
In conclusion, Gray County has a rich history spanning from Native American tribes to the discovery of oil and participation in World War II. Its role in Texas history is one to be continuously appreciated and explored.
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