The Founding of Bailey County
Historical marker location:Bailey County was created August 21, 1876, and named for Peter James Bailey, a Kentucky lawyer killed at the Alamo during the Texas War for Independence.
This was thinly settled cattle country; Bailey was attached for judicial purposes to Baylor County in 1876-1891, and to Castro County, 1892-1918.
In November, 1918, Bailey County was finally organized. Its first officials were W. M. Wilterding, Judge; H. A. Douglass, Sheriff and Tax Assessor-Collector; C. C. Mardis, Clerk; G. P. Kuykendall, Treasurer; E. G. Hoskins, Inspector of Hides and Animals; J. B. Diggs, T. L. Snyder, C. E. Dotson and John S. McMurtry, Commissioners.
At the first meeting of the commissioners court, in Blackwater Valley State Bank on January 16, 1919, C. D. Gupton was appointed Justice of the Peace.
Muleshoe was designated county seat in a special election, April 12, 1919. A jail cell was purchased in June 1919 from neighboring Parmer County. In July a building contract was let for first courthouse -- a frame structure soon erected at a cost of $2,450.
Since institution of its government, this 832 sq. mi. county, with its good water resources, has developed an outstanding agricultural economy. Its progress is a tribute to the standards of its pioneer settlers. (1968)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.