Halfway Cemetery
To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.
The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.
A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
The county was officially organized in 1888 and named after Lt. John C. Hale, a hero of the Battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution. Agriculture played a crucial role in the early development of Hale County, with farming and ranching becoming the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated trade and growth in the region.
One significant event in Hale County's history was the discovery of oil in the early 20th century. Oil fields were found near the city of Plainview, leading to an economic boom and population growth. The discovery of oil allowed for the establishment of refineries and related industries, transforming Hale County into an important oil-producing area in Texas.
In recent decades, the economy of Hale County has diversified, with the advent of new industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education. The county continues to be a major agricultural producer, specializing in cotton, sorghum, and cattle ranching. Hale County is also known for its strong community spirit and has maintained its rural charm while embracing progress and modernization.
Hale County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hale County, Texas.
- 1876: Hale County is founded as a part of the Texas Panhandle.
- 1881: The first permanent settlement, Plainview, is established.
- 1888: The Santa Fe Railroad reaches Plainview, boosting the town's growth.
- 1891: Hale County is officially organized.
- 1892: The first courthouse is constructed in Plainview.
- 1907: The Discovery Oil Well is drilled, leading to an oil boom in the county.
- 1920: The town of Hale Center is incorporated.
- 1930s: The Great Depression hits Hale County, causing significant economic hardship.
- 1941: United States enters World War II, causing Hale County to experience an increase in agricultural production.
- 1950s: The introduction of irrigation systems revolutionizes agriculture in the county.
- 1980: Hale County experiences an economic downturn due to a decline in the oil industry.
- 1990s: The establishment of wind farms begins to diversify the county's energy sources.
- 2008: Hale County suffers from a severe drought, affecting agricultural production.
- 2010s: Renewed focus on economic development and tourism to boost the county's economy.