Quanah, Acme and Pacific Depot
100 Mercer St., Quanah, TX
Constructed to provide facilities for both rail service and the administrative offices of the railroad company, the Quanah, Acme, and Pacific Depot in Quanah is a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The structure, with architectural integrity virtually intact, represents the settlement and expansion opportunities made possible in then remote Hardeman County when the line was established.
Although created in 1858, Hardeman County, located on the Red River in northwest Texas, remained unsettled throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, primarily due to occupation by hostile Indians and lack of transportation through the hilly terrain. Prior to the mid-1880s, buffalo hunters and a few ranchers were the only white settlers in the area. The Fort Worth and Denver Railroad surveyed the county in 1885 and laid out a townsite for Quanah, named for Quanah Parker, the last war chief of the Comanches. The first town lot was sold in 1886 and by 1890, when the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad went through, the town boasted a population of 1500.
On July 12, 1902, the Acme, Red River, and Northern Railroad was chartered to run from Acme to Red River, connecting the plaster plant at Acme with the Fort Worth and Denver and Frisco Railroads. Plaster from the gypsum plants in Hardeman County was used in the construction of the Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893 and the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition in St. Louis in 1903. In 1909 a decision was made to extend the railroad line westward to provide much-needed transportation facilities for the population. In that same year, the name of the railroad was changed to the Quanah, Acme, and Pacific. The terrain caused difficulties in the construction of the railroad which crossed three rivers and climbed Cap Rock. During its early years, the railroad was a profitable enterprise, providing passenger and freight service to the county. The construction. of highways in the 1930s created a decline in rail usage and today the Quanah, Acme, and Pacific trackage are being considered for abandonment.
The Quanah, Acme, and Pacific Depot constructed in 1909 was used as a passenger depot and a headquarters for the Railroad. Prominently located one block west of Main Street beside the tracks, the building is a fine example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. This attention to style is indicative of the importance of the railroad to the community and surrounding areas. Currently vacant, the Hardeman County Historical Commission plans to restore the depot with respect for its architectural integrity and convert it to use as headquarters for the Commission with space available for various public activities, thus restoring its service to the community.
Local significance of the building:
Although created in 1858, Hardeman County, located on the Red River in northwest Texas, remained unsettled throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, primarily due to occupation by hostile Indians and lack of transportation through the hilly terrain. Prior to the mid-1880s, buffalo hunters and a few ranchers were the only white settlers in the area. The Fort Worth and Denver Railroad surveyed the county in 1885 and laid out a townsite for Quanah, named for Quanah Parker, the last war chief of the Comanches. The first town lot was sold in 1886 and by 1890, when the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad went through, the town boasted a population of 1500.
On July 12, 1902, the Acme, Red River, and Northern Railroad was chartered to run from Acme to Red River, connecting the plaster plant at Acme with the Fort Worth and Denver and Frisco Railroads. Plaster from the gypsum plants in Hardeman County was used in the construction of the Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893 and the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition in St. Louis in 1903. In 1909 a decision was made to extend the railroad line westward to provide much-needed transportation facilities for the population. In that same year, the name of the railroad was changed to the Quanah, Acme, and Pacific. The terrain caused difficulties in the construction of the railroad which crossed three rivers and climbed Cap Rock. During its early years, the railroad was a profitable enterprise, providing passenger and freight service to the county. The construction. of highways in the 1930s created a decline in rail usage and today the Quanah, Acme, and Pacific trackage are being considered for abandonment.
The Quanah, Acme, and Pacific Depot constructed in 1909 was used as a passenger depot and a headquarters for the Railroad. Prominently located one block west of Main Street beside the tracks, the building is a fine example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. This attention to style is indicative of the importance of the railroad to the community and surrounding areas. Currently vacant, the Hardeman County Historical Commission plans to restore the depot with respect for its architectural integrity and convert it to use as headquarters for the Commission with space available for various public activities, thus restoring its service to the community.
Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Searching for other points of interest within 3 miles of this location.The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
About Hardeman County
Hardeman County Timeline
Hardeman County, Texas has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Tonkawa. However, the county was officially established in 1858 and named after Bailey Hardeman, a prominent Texas politician.
During the late 1800s, Hardeman County experienced significant growth and development. Settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching. The town of Quanah emerged as the county seat and quickly became a hub of economic activity.
The county played a significant role in the Texas cattle industry. Ranchers established large cattle ranches, and the famous 6666 Ranch, owned by Samuel Burk Burnett, became one of the most renowned in the area. The cattle industry thrived until the late 1800s when severe droughts devastated the region. Many ranchers were forced to sell their land or move their herds elsewhere.
In the early 1900s, oil was discovered in nearby Wichita County, leading to an economic boom in Hardeman County. The town of Quanah became a major center for oil production, attracting oil companies and workers from all over the country. This oil boom brought prosperity to the county, and many businesses and infrastructure were developed during this time.
Throughout the 20th century, Hardeman County experienced ups and downs, with periods of economic growth and challenges. The agriculture industry, including ranching and cotton farming, has remained an important part of the county's economy. Today, Hardeman County is known for its rural charm, historic landmarks, and strong sense of community.
During the late 1800s, Hardeman County experienced significant growth and development. Settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching. The town of Quanah emerged as the county seat and quickly became a hub of economic activity.
The county played a significant role in the Texas cattle industry. Ranchers established large cattle ranches, and the famous 6666 Ranch, owned by Samuel Burk Burnett, became one of the most renowned in the area. The cattle industry thrived until the late 1800s when severe droughts devastated the region. Many ranchers were forced to sell their land or move their herds elsewhere.
In the early 1900s, oil was discovered in nearby Wichita County, leading to an economic boom in Hardeman County. The town of Quanah became a major center for oil production, attracting oil companies and workers from all over the country. This oil boom brought prosperity to the county, and many businesses and infrastructure were developed during this time.
Throughout the 20th century, Hardeman County experienced ups and downs, with periods of economic growth and challenges. The agriculture industry, including ranching and cotton farming, has remained an important part of the county's economy. Today, Hardeman County is known for its rural charm, historic landmarks, and strong sense of community.
Hardeman County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hardeman County, Texas.
- 1858 - Hardeman County is established by the Texas state legislature.
- 1884 - Quanah is designated as the county seat.
- Late 1800s - Cattle ranching becomes a major industry in the county.
- 1918-1919 - The county experiences an oil boom.
- 1924 - Hardeman County Airport is established.
- Mid-1900s - Agriculture becomes the primary industry in the county, with cotton and wheat being major crops.
- 1969 - Copper Breaks State Park is opened to the public.
- 1974 - The county courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Late 1900s to present - Oil and gas production continue to play a significant role in the county's economy.