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King County is a rural county located in the northern part of Texas. It was named after a Confederate soldier named William Philip King. Here are 7 interesting facts about King County's history:
1. Fort Belknap
Fort Belknap was a military fort established in 1851 in the southeastern part of King County. It was one of the last forts established by the US Army in Texas. The fort was named after War Department official and Texas legislator, William G. Belknap. During the Civil War, the fort was used as a military hospital and a supply depot.
2. The First Railroad in King County
The Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway was built in 1928 and connected the towns of Matador, Guthrie, and Paducah. This was the first railroad to be built in King County.
3. The Birthplace of Barbed Wire
King County is home to the birthplace of barbed wire. In 1874, a farmer named John W. Gates invented barbed wire while trying to find a way to keep his cattle contained. The invention revolutionized the cattle industry and helped to settle the western frontier.
4. The County's Biggest Export
King County's biggest export today is wind energy. The county is home to many wind turbines that generate renewable energy. King County is also home to the first wind farm in Texas.
5. The Matador Ranch
The Matador Ranch was established in 1882 and was one of the largest cattle ranches in the world at the time. The ranch covered over 1.5 million acres and employed over 500 cowboys. Today, the ranch is a national historic landmark.
6. The Last Lynching in Texas
King County was the site of the last lynching in Texas. In 1920, two African American men named James Allen and Lemuel Walters were accused of killing a white farmer. A mob of over 200 people broke into the jail and hung the men from a tree. No one was ever held accountable for the lynching.
7. The King County Courthouse
The King County Courthouse was built in 1890 and is still in use today. It is a two-story brick building with a unique clock tower that stands at the center of Guthrie. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a symbol of King County's rich history.
In conclusion, King County has a fascinating history filled with interesting facts and landmarks. From Fort Belknap to the last lynching in Texas, the county has seen its fair share of significant events. Today, it remains a vital part of Texas, and its contributions to the state will always be remembered.
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