Carson County Square House Museum
a.k.a. Square House
5th and Elsie Sts., Panhandle, TXThe Square House Museum, although a modest building in size and architectural detail, is an important example of domestic architecture for Northwest Texas in that it represents one of the earliest frame residences (1887-1888) constructed during the period of settlement on the Staked Plains. At the time this residence was constructed (the lumber was brought from Kansas City) to house an official of the Southern Kansas Railroad a majority of the Panhandle settlers were housed in dugouts. Consequently, this building, among the oldest extant structures in the Texas Panhandle, represents a significant milestone in the history and development of Northwest Texas.
The Square House was built as the residence of an official with the Southern Kansas Railway when a terminal track was laid from Kiowa, Kansas, to Panhandle, Texas. This, the oldest house in Panhandle, was the home of several notable Panhandle pioneer families, including Judge James Christopher Paul, Judge J. L. Harrison, James B. Wilks, and Sheriff Oscar L. Thorp.
Judge James Christopher Paul and his family occupied the Square House in the early 1890s. Paul and several business partners opened the Panhandle Bank in 1888. This was the oldest bank in Northwest Texas, and from 1888 until it voluntarily closed in 1942, was highly instrumental in the economic development of the Panhandle area.
Judge J. L. Harrison and his family moved to the Square House in 1896 and lived there for several decades. Harrison was a prominent cattleman in the Panhandle area, and later, around 1900, was elected county judge.
Oscar L. Thorp bought the Square House in 1920. Thorp, originally a rancher, was elected sheriff in 1922 and served in that office for eight years during the oil boom days - a chaotic period for law enforcement.
The Square House was occupied as a private residence until 1965, when, in order to save it from destruction, the building was moved to its present site. The restored building is operated as a regional museum and has been accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966.
The Square House was built as the residence of an official with the Southern Kansas Railway when a terminal track was laid from Kiowa, Kansas, to Panhandle, Texas. This, the oldest house in Panhandle, was the home of several notable Panhandle pioneer families, including Judge James Christopher Paul, Judge J. L. Harrison, James B. Wilks, and Sheriff Oscar L. Thorp.
Judge James Christopher Paul and his family occupied the Square House in the early 1890s. Paul and several business partners opened the Panhandle Bank in 1888. This was the oldest bank in Northwest Texas, and from 1888 until it voluntarily closed in 1942, was highly instrumental in the economic development of the Panhandle area.
Judge J. L. Harrison and his family moved to the Square House in 1896 and lived there for several decades. Harrison was a prominent cattleman in the Panhandle area, and later, around 1900, was elected county judge.
Oscar L. Thorp bought the Square House in 1920. Thorp, originally a rancher, was elected sheriff in 1922 and served in that office for eight years during the oil boom days - a chaotic period for law enforcement.
The Square House was occupied as a private residence until 1965, when, in order to save it from destruction, the building was moved to its present site. The restored building is operated as a regional museum and has been accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966.
Bibliography
Randel, Jo Stewart (Mrs.Ralph), ed. 1966. A time to purpose: a
chronicle of Carson County. Panhandle: Carson County Historical Survey Committee and Pioneer Press. Vols. I & II
Texas State Historical Survey Committee marker files.
chronicle of Carson County. Panhandle: Carson County Historical Survey Committee and Pioneer Press. Vols. I & II
Texas State Historical Survey Committee marker files.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
About Carson County
Carson County Timeline
Carson County, located in the northern region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to before European settlement. The area was initially inhabited by several Native American groups, including the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache tribes, who lived off the land and thrived in the surrounding grasslands and rivers.
European settlers began arriving in Carson County in the mid-19th century, drawn by the prospect of vast grazing land and opportunities for ranching. In 1876, the county was officially established and named after Samuel P. Carson, a scout and buffalo hunter. With the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad in the 1880s, the county experienced rapid growth, attracting both ranchers and farmers to the area.
The early 20th century brought economic diversification to Carson County, with the discovery of oil and gas reserves. This newfound wealth fueled further development and population growth in the region. In the 1920s, the construction of Texas State Highway 3 (now known as U.S. Route 60) through the county enhanced transportation, making it easier to access the surrounding cities.
Carson County played a prominent role during World War II, as it became the location of the Pantex Ordnance Plant in 1942. The plant served as a vital component of the Manhattan Project, manufacturing and assembling nuclear weapons. Today, the Pantex Plant continues to operate and plays a significant role in the defense industry, employing many residents of Carson County.
Throughout its history, Carson County has evolved from a land of Native American tribes and open prairies to a thriving community with a diverse economy. It boasts a rich heritage of ranching, farming, oil production, and defense industries. Despite the challenges and changes over time, the county continues to preserve its history while embracing progress and growth.
European settlers began arriving in Carson County in the mid-19th century, drawn by the prospect of vast grazing land and opportunities for ranching. In 1876, the county was officially established and named after Samuel P. Carson, a scout and buffalo hunter. With the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad in the 1880s, the county experienced rapid growth, attracting both ranchers and farmers to the area.
The early 20th century brought economic diversification to Carson County, with the discovery of oil and gas reserves. This newfound wealth fueled further development and population growth in the region. In the 1920s, the construction of Texas State Highway 3 (now known as U.S. Route 60) through the county enhanced transportation, making it easier to access the surrounding cities.
Carson County played a prominent role during World War II, as it became the location of the Pantex Ordnance Plant in 1942. The plant served as a vital component of the Manhattan Project, manufacturing and assembling nuclear weapons. Today, the Pantex Plant continues to operate and plays a significant role in the defense industry, employing many residents of Carson County.
Throughout its history, Carson County has evolved from a land of Native American tribes and open prairies to a thriving community with a diverse economy. It boasts a rich heritage of ranching, farming, oil production, and defense industries. Despite the challenges and changes over time, the county continues to preserve its history while embracing progress and growth.
Carson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Carson County, Texas.
- 1876 - Carson County was organized and named after Samuel Price Carson, a pioneer settler in the area.
- 1886 - The first post office, Panhandle City, was established.
- 1890 - Panhandle City became the county seat.
- 1902 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway was built through the county, boosting economic growth.
- 1926 - The iconic Route 66 was established, passing through the county and bringing increased tourism.
- 1930s - The Dust Bowl hit Carson County, leading to severe agricultural and economic challenges.
- 1942 - The Pantex Ordnance Plant was established, becoming a major employer in the area during World War II.
- 1956 - Route 66 was bypassed by Interstate 40, leading to a decline in local businesses.
- 1984 - The last segment of Route 66 in Texas was officially decommissioned.
- Present - Carson County continues to be an important transportation hub with Interstate 40 and a strong agriculture-based economy.