O'Neil Building
Historical marker location:Bricks visible in the facade of this structure were left over from construction of the first Collingsworth County Courthouse in 1893. Contractor, J.A. White built the courthouse of locally-made bricks and then, with the extra materials, erected this store, the first brick commercial building in Wellington. He sold it in 1897 to E.T. O'Neil(1857-99), who ran a general store here. The space was later rented by a meat market, music store, drugstore, and several cafes. The courthouse was razed in 1931, but the old bricks survive in this structure, sold by O'Neil's heirs in 1965 to Cecil Browning. (1975)
Incise on back: Sponsored by Zoe O'Neil Small (Mrs. Clinton C. Small, Sr.)
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 Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
In the late 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive in Collingsworth County, attracted by the fertile soil and the opportunity for agriculture. The county was officially established in 1876 and named after James Collinsworth, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
The agricultural industry, particularly ranching and farming, played a vital role in the county's early development. Cattle ranching, in particular, grew rapidly, as the county's vast grasslands provided ample grazing opportunities for thousands of cattle. Over time, farming became an important industry as well, with crops such as cotton and wheat being cultivated on the fertile land.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and prosperity to Collingsworth County. It provided a means of transportation for the agriculture produce, allowing it to be easily shipped to larger markets. This led to the establishment of small towns and communities throughout the county, such as Wellington, the county seat, which became a hub for commerce and trade.
Today, Collingsworth County continues to embrace its agricultural heritage while also diversifying its economy. The county's strong sense of community and pride in its history can be seen in its numerous historical landmarks and events that celebrate its past. Collingsworth County remains an important part of the Panhandle region, contributing to the cultural and economic landscape of Texas.
Collingsworth County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Collingsworth County, Texas.
- 1876 - Collingsworth County established
- 1880 - First post office opens in Mobeetie, county seat
- 1880s - Ranching becomes the primary industry
- 1890 - Collingsworth County courthouse built
- 1890s - Development of towns, such as Dodson and Wellington
- 1902 - Construction of railroad connecting to Wellington
- 1910s - Decline in population due to drought and economic conditions
- 1920s - Oil discovered in the county, bringing economic growth
- 1940s - Population growth due to World War II military training in the area
- 1960 - Redistricting changes county boundaries
- 1970s - Oil booms and busts impact the county's economy
- 1990s - Agriculture and oil remain important industries
- 2000 - Collingsworth County celebrates its 125th anniversary