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Hansford County is a county located in the northwestern region of Texas, United States. The county was created in 1876, and it was named after John M. Hansford, who was a Texas state congressman. The county has a rich history that spans over a century, and in this article, we take a look at 7 interesting facts about Hansford County's history.
1. Hansford County was once a part of the famous XIT Ranch
The XIT Ranch was one of the most successful and famous cattle ranches in the world. It spanned over three million acres and covered parts of ten different counties in Texas, including Hansford County. Hansford County was a part of the XIT Ranch from 1885 until 1902 when the ranch was divided up and sold to private individuals.
2. The county's first courthouse was a tent
When Hansford County was first established in 1889, there were no buildings in the county that could serve as a courthouse. As a result, the county officials set up a tent on the banks of the Canadian River, and this tent served as the county's first courthouse.
3. The town of Morse was named after telegraph inventor Samuel Morse
Morse is a small town in Hansford County, and it was named after Samuel Morse, who is the inventor of the telegraph. The town was established in 1913 when the Rock Island Railroad arrived in the area.
4. Hansford County was the site of a major oil discovery in the early 1900s
During the early 1900s, the discovery of oil transformed Texas into one of the world's largest producers of oil. Hansford County was one of the first counties in Texas to discover oil, and it was the site of a major oil discovery in 1918.
5. Hansford County was a major wheat producer in the early 1900s
Before the discovery of oil, Hansford County was one of the largest wheat producing counties in Texas, and it was a major wheat producer in the early 1900s. Wheat farming was a major part of Hansford County's economy until the 1920s.
6. The county's largest employer is a prison
The Hansford County Prison, which is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, is the largest employer in the county. The prison provides jobs for over 300 people and is an important source of income for the local community.
7. There is a ghost town in Hansford County
There is a ghost town in Hansford County called Lipscomb. Lipscomb was established in 1886 and was once a thriving community with a population of over 500 people. However, in the early 1900s, the town was bypassed by the railroad, and it began to decline. Today, Lipscomb is a ghost town, with only a few abandoned buildings remaining.
In conclusion, Hansford County has a fascinating history that is rich in culture and heritage. From its early days as part of the XIT Ranch to its major oil discovery and wheat production, the county has played a significant role in the development of Texas. With its interesting facts and unique attractions, Hansford County is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Texas history.
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