Dickens 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 is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
In 1876, Dickens County was officially established and named after J. Dickens, a famous Texas veteran of the American Civil War. The county remained sparsely populated for several years until the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway reached the area in the 1880s. This led to an influx of settlers and the establishment of towns such as Spur, the county seat, and Afton.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a rapid growth in Dickens County. The agricultural industry thrived, with cotton becoming the main cash crop. Cattle ranching also played a significant role in the county's economy. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s further boosted development and brought in additional revenue.
However, like many other areas in Texas, Dickens County faced challenges during the Great Depression. The agricultural sector suffered, and many residents were forced to leave in search of better opportunities. Despite these hardships, the county gradually recovered and saw renewed growth in the post-World War II era.
Today, Dickens County is an important part of the region's agricultural industry, primarily producing cotton, wheat, and livestock. It also attracts visitors with its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and annual events celebrating its western heritage. The county's rich history and resilience continue to shape its identity and contribute to its vibrant community.
Dickens County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dickens County, Texas.
- 1876 - Dickens County, Texas is established on August 21
- 1886 - The town of Dickens is established as the county seat
- 1890 - First census records a population of 1,972 in the county
- 1891 - The Dickens County Courthouse is built
- 1909 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Dickens County, boosting economic growth
- 1926 - Route 82 becomes the first paved highway in the county
- 1940 - Peak population of 5,967 is recorded
- 1953 - The McAdoo oilfield is discovered, leading to increased oil production in the county
- 1974 - The Rocker B Ranch, covering over 100,000 acres, becomes the largest private ranch in the county
- 1990 - Population drops to 2,762 as agriculture becomes less dominant
- 2007 - The Dickens County Wind Farm is established, taking advantage of the area's strong winds for renewable energy