Historical Marker

Site of Chicago

Historical marker location:
N. 22nd St., Lamesa, Texas
( Northeast corner of FM 2592 and North 22nd Street, Lamesa)
Marker installed: 1977
Marker size: 27" x 42"

W.C. Bishop of Chicago, Illinois, and wealthy lumberman George N. Fletcher established the Oto (later Bar To) ranch about 1887 on Fletcher's extensive landholdings in Dawson County. A post office was opened at the ranch headquarters on May 15,1889, and named Chicago, both in honor of Bishop's home town and in humorous reference to the sparse population of the area. The postal facility served other large ranches in this vicinity, such as C. C. Slaughter's Long S. In the 1890s, Fletcher left the ranching venture, and A. F. Crowley and W. H. Godair became Bishop's partners. By that time, a village had begun to grow up around the post office. B. A. Oden served as Oto ranch foreman and Postmaster of Chicago from 1894 to 1903. When Walter Stemmons replaced him in both positions in 1904, the settlement was renamed Stemmons. The same year, a post office was established in the new town of Lamesa, two miles south of Chicago. Dawson County was organized in 1905, and both towns entered the contest for county seat. When Lamesa won, residents of Chicago quickly relocated their homes and businesses there. The school and Baptist and Methodist churches also moved to Lamesa, within days, the Community of Chicago has disappeared.

1977

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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Dawson County, Texas, is located in the West Central part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache. In the 1850s, settlers began to arrive, drawn by the opportunities for ranching and farming.

The county itself was officially established in 1876 and named after Nicholas Mosby Dawson, a hero of the Texas Revolution. The town of Lamesa was chosen as the county seat, and as the area developed, more towns and settlements sprung up, including Welch, Klondike, O'Donnell, Los Ybanez, and Ackerly.

Agriculture has always been a major part of Dawson County's economy. Initially, cattle ranching dominated the industry, but with the advent of irrigation, cotton became the primary crop in the early 20th century. Agriculture continues to be a significant sector today, with crops like cotton, sorghum, and peanuts being grown.

The discovery of oil in the 1920s brought a significant economic boost to Dawson County. Oil drilling and production became major industries, attracting workers and generating wealth. The county experienced periods of growth and decline as the oil industry fluctuated over the years.

Today, Dawson County is home to approximately 14,000 residents who continue to rely on agriculture and oil as important drivers of the local economy. The area also offers recreational opportunities, including reservoirs for fishing and boating, as well as hunting and birdwatching. The county's history and natural attractions make it an appealing destination for visitors seeking a taste of West Texas heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Dawson County, Texas.

  • 1842 - The area that is now Dawson County is part of the disputed territory between the Republic of Texas and Mexico.
  • 1876 - Ranchers begin to settle in the area.
  • 1876 - The Texas legislature establishes Dawson County and it is named in honor of Nicholas Mosby Dawson, a soldier who died during the Battle of Salado Creek in the Texas Revolution.
  • 1905 - The town of Lamesa is established as the county seat.
  • 1910 - The first oil well is drilled in Dawson County, leading to increased economic activity.
  • 1933 - The discovery of the giant Seminole oil field brings further growth to the county.
  • 1940s - Cotton becomes an important crop in Dawson County.
  • 1960s-1970s - The county experiences an oil boom due to advances in drilling technology.
  • 1988 - The Dawson County Courthouse, built in 1911, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.