Historical Marker

Traweek House

Historical marker location:
927 Lariat St., Matador, Texas
( 927 Lariat Street, Matador)
Marker installed: 1964
Marker size: RTHL medallion 1964. Marker with inscription 1990.

Dr. Albert Carroll Traweek, Sr. (1875-1959) and his wife Allie (Rainey)(1881-1963) came to Matador from Fort Worth soon after their marriage in 1897. Dr. Traweek began his medical practice, and the couple bought a small frame house. They eventually were the parents of six children. A prominent and respected physician, Dr. Traweek first traveled on horseback or by horse and buggy to visit his patients. He was known as the "Pneumonia Doctor" because of his success in treating people with that illness. He established a hospital and was the county's first public health officer.

In 1915, after a previous dwelling on this site was destroyed by fire, construction began on this house. Designed by Dr. Traweek's uncle, noted West Texas builder Charles Stephens Oates, the house was completed in 1916 at a cost of $14,000. The two-story stuccoed masonry structure reflects a combination of architectural styles, exhibiting Italian renaissance, prairie and classical revival detailing.

Among those who visited the Traweek home were Baldwin Parker (son of Quanah Parker, last chief of the Comanche Indians) and many state and national officials. The home, which has remained in the Traweek family, received an official historical medallion in 1964 and is a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark. (1990)

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.

houses residential buildings Classical Revival (architectural style) design and construction medical topics and health professionals Prairie School (architectural style)
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Motley County, located in west Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the prehistoric era. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Apaches, who roamed and hunted in the region. However, it was not until the 1870s that the first European settlers arrived in the area.

In 1876, the Texas legislature officially established Motley County, naming it in honor of Junius William Mottley, a renowned jurist from Texas. The county's early economy relied heavily on ranching and agriculture, with cattle ranching being the dominant industry. The open plains and fertile soil made it ideal for grazing and farming, attracting more settlers and leading to the establishment of small rural communities throughout the county.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Motley County experienced periods of boom and bust. A significant event in the county's history was the discovery of oil in 1924, which brought a surge of economic activity and population growth to the area. Oil production became a major industry and played a pivotal role in driving the county's economy for several decades. However, as the oil fields began to decline, the county shifted its focus back to agriculture and ranching.

Today, Motley County remains primarily rural, with a small population and a strong agricultural sector. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the iconic Caprock Canyons State Park which attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. While the county has faced its fair share of challenges, its rich history and natural beauty continue to make it an important part of Texas heritage.

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

  • 1876 - Motley County was organized and named after Edward J. Motley, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • 1890s - Ranching became the main industry in the county.
  • 1891 - The town of Matador was established as the county seat.
  • 1909 - Construction of the Courthouse began in Matador.
  • 1926 - The Matador Ranch, one of the largest and most famous ranches in Texas, was divided into smaller ranches.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brought hardships to the county, with many residents leaving in search of work.
  • 1950s - Oil was discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1960s - Motley County experienced a decline in population as agriculture became less profitable.
  • 1990 - The population reached its lowest point in decades.
  • 2000s - Wind energy development brought new economic opportunities to the county.
  • Present - Motley County continues to be a rural community, with ranching, agriculture, and wind energy playing important roles in the local economy.