Site of Binkley Hotel
Historical marker location:Site of Binkley Hotel
In the 1870s, a joint stock company was organized to construct a hotel in Sherman. One of the largest stockholders was Judge C.C. Binkley, a community leader for whom the hotel would be named. Binkley was also president of the Merchants and Planters (M & P) Bank, established in Sherman in 1872.
The first two hotels at this site burned, and the second fire was reportedly set to cover an attempted robbery. The next hotel was built by the Sherman Hotel Company and operated by bank president C.B. Dorchester. The bank, then the Merchants and Planters National Bank, served farmers, ranchers, counties, and Indian tribes, becoming a financial hub for Texas and Oklahoma, and the close ties between bank and hotel attracted and accommodated business in the growing community. The Sherman Opera House, which brought in touring dramatic companies, added to the list of popular and prominent men and women who visited the hotel. Ladies would enter on the north, at the carriage entrance, and avoid passing the bar on their way to receptions in the dining room of the three-story hotel. Former president William Howard Taft visited Sherman in 1919 and spoke briefly from a wrought-iron balcony on the hotel's north side.
The hotel's name changed to Texas Hotel in 1947. The third and final Binkley Hotel building burned in 1967. During its many decades of operation, the business contributed to Sherman's development. The hotel, bank and opera house together formed a unique, functionally integrated business, civic and cultural complex. The hotel served the many guests of the bank and opera house and was a popular spot for travelers as well as local residents.
(2002)
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 cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
European settlement in Gray County began in the late 19th century, driven by the expansion of railroads and the cattle industry. The area became a popular destination for cattle ranchers, with the establishment of large ranches and the construction of stockyards and rail lines. The growth of the cattle industry played a significant role in shaping the county's early economy and attracting settlers to the region.
In 1876, Gray County was officially organized and named after Peter W. Gray, a prominent Texas lawyer and judge. The county seat, Pampa, was established in 1892 and experienced rapid growth due to the discovery of oil in the early 20th century. The oil boom created a surge in population and economic activity, bringing prosperity to the region.
Throughout the 20th century, Gray County continued to thrive due to its diverse economy, including agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. The area's agricultural sector remained strong, with crops like wheat, sorghum, and cotton being cultivated. Additionally, manufacturing companies set up operations in the county, further contributing to its economic stability.
Today, Gray County is a thriving community with a mix of rural and urban areas. It continues to be a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. The county's rich history is celebrated through various cultural events and museums, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area's past.
Gray County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Gray County, Texas.
- 1876: Gray County was officially organized and named after Peter W. Gray, a Texas lawyer.
- 1887: The first post office in Gray County was established.
- 1889: The town of Pampa was founded and became the county seat of Gray County.
- 1902: The first railroad, Southern Kansas Railway, reached Pampa, leading to significant growth and development.
- 1924: A significant oil discovery, the White Deer Oil Field, sparked an oil boom in Gray County.
- 1934: The county experienced severe damage and loss of life due to a devastating tornado.
- 1952: The Pantex Ordnance Plant, a major nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility, was established in Gray County.
- 1965: Lake McClellan, a reservoir on the Red River, was completed and became a popular recreational area.
- 1995: The historic Gray County Courthouse, built in 1929, was restored and designated as a Texas Historic Landmark.