Historical Marker

Center Plains Community

Historical marker location:
Cotton Center, Texas
( from Cotton Center, take FM 179 North four miles.)
Marker installed: 1980
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Early settlers to Hale County referred to the territory west of Hale Center (9 mi. E) as the Center Plains community. A cemetery and a schoolhouse, established to serve the vast area, were located at this site on property donated by William S. Bolivar who began homesteading the area in 1890. The first post office, listing the settlement as Copenhagen, opened in 1902 in the home of T. H. Miller, the postmaster. When construction of the proposed Panhandle Short Line Railroad from Vega to Lubbock bypassed the community in 1907, the post office and school were moved to the newly platted town of Norfleet (1 mi. W). The town failed by 1910 when plans for the rail line were abandoned, and the school was moved back to Center Plains. The schoolhouse also served as a community center and people of all faiths worshiped in the facility on Sundays. Plans to consolidate with other area schools were rejected in 1925, but officials divided the district in 1937 and transferred the students to Hale Center and Cotton Center schools. Center Plains was once the nucleus of a large rural community, but only the cemetery remains.

1980

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Hale County, Texas, located in the Panhandle region, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Apaches, before European settlement. In the 1870s, the first pioneers arrived in the region and established several ranches, harnessing the potential of the vast grasslands and natural resources.

The county was officially organized in 1888 and named after Lt. John C. Hale, a hero of the Battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution. Agriculture played a crucial role in the early development of Hale County, with farming and ranching becoming the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated trade and growth in the region.

One significant event in Hale County's history was the discovery of oil in the early 20th century. Oil fields were found near the city of Plainview, leading to an economic boom and population growth. The discovery of oil allowed for the establishment of refineries and related industries, transforming Hale County into an important oil-producing area in Texas.

In recent decades, the economy of Hale County has diversified, with the advent of new industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education. The county continues to be a major agricultural producer, specializing in cotton, sorghum, and cattle ranching. Hale County is also known for its strong community spirit and has maintained its rural charm while embracing progress and modernization.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hale County, Texas.

  • 1876: Hale County is founded as a part of the Texas Panhandle.
  • 1881: The first permanent settlement, Plainview, is established.
  • 1888: The Santa Fe Railroad reaches Plainview, boosting the town's growth.
  • 1891: Hale County is officially organized.
  • 1892: The first courthouse is constructed in Plainview.
  • 1907: The Discovery Oil Well is drilled, leading to an oil boom in the county.
  • 1920: The town of Hale Center is incorporated.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Hale County, causing significant economic hardship.
  • 1941: United States enters World War II, causing Hale County to experience an increase in agricultural production.
  • 1950s: The introduction of irrigation systems revolutionizes agriculture in the county.
  • 1980: Hale County experiences an economic downturn due to a decline in the oil industry.
  • 1990s: The establishment of wind farms begins to diversify the county's energy sources.
  • 2008: Hale County suffers from a severe drought, affecting agricultural production.
  • 2010s: Renewed focus on economic development and tourism to boost the county's economy.