Historical Marker

The Oslo Community

Historical marker location:
8605 CR F, Gruver, Texas
( From Gruver take S.H. 136 about 6 miles north; head west on F.M. 2535 about 6 miles; turn north on F.M. 1262, continue for 5 miles, then turn west on F.M. 2349 to Oslo Community. Marker is between Oslo Lutheran Church and Oslo Cemetery.)
Marker installed: 1981
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1908 Anders L. Mordt, a native of Norway, secured form R. M. Thomson and R. T. Anderson the sales rights to 100 sections of Hansford County land he named Oslo. The first settlers were recruited from existing Norwegian colonies in the midwestern United States.

To promote the development, Mordt advertised his inexpensive Texas land in major Norwegian language publications across the nation. He also published a weekly newspaper, The "Oslo Posten", and organized an annual Norwegian Independence Day celebration, "Syttende Mai" (May 17), which attracted crowds from surrounding towns in Oklahoma and Texas.

Community worship services were first conducted at the Oslo schoolhouse in 1909 by the Rev. Christian Heltne. Officially organized the following year, the Olso Lutheran Church became the center of the farming settlement.

Mordt's land sales ended in 1913 as a result of a severe drought. When the Denver and Gulf Railroad decided to bypass the area, the townsite of Oslo (2.5 miles south) declined. Although many settlers moved away, more than thirty families remained.

Today the Olso Lutheran Church serves as a remainder of the area's Norwegian heritage.

(1981)

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.

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Hansford County, located in the Texas Panhandle, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa, who relied on the abundant buffalo herds for sustenance.

In the 1870s, Hansford County experienced its first wave of settlement as ranchers and farmers began to establish homesteads in the area. The arrival of the railroad in 1887 further spurred growth and development, as it provided a vital link for transporting goods and people. The county was officially organized in 1889 and named after John M. Hansford, a Texas congressman who was known for his support of the Texas Panhandle region.

The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including droughts, harsh weather conditions, and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, their perseverance paid off, and the county's agriculture and ranching industries began to thrive. Wheat, corn, and cotton became important crops, while cattle ranching became a prominent livelihood for many residents.

In the 20th century, Hansford County continued to evolve with advancements in technology and infrastructure. The discovery of oil in the 1920s brought a new wave of economic growth and prosperity to the area. Today, Hansford County is a thriving community that celebrates its western heritage and rich agricultural traditions while embracing modern industries and opportunities for growth.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hansford County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Hansford County is created and named after John M. Hansford, a Texas state congressman.
  • 1880 - The first settlers begin arriving in the area, attracted by the availability of land for farming and ranching.
  • 1886 - Hansford becomes an organized county with the establishment of county government.
  • 1891 - The town of Hansford is established as the county seat.
  • 1900 - The county's population reaches around 3,000, primarily engaged in agriculture and livestock raising.
  • 1910 - The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression hits Hansford County hard, resulting in economic hardships for the residents.
  • 1950s - The discovery of natural gas reserves provides a boost to the county's economy.
  • 1960s - The construction of Lake Marvin, a recreational reservoir, attracts tourists to the area.
  • 1980s - The agriculture and energy sectors continue to dominate the county's economy.