Bovina
Historical marker location:Early in the 20th century, this was one of largest cattle shipping points in the United States.
Originated as the Hay Hook Line Camp of the XIT -- famed ranch that received over 3,000 acres of land in payment for building Texas State Capitol, 1882-1888. One of the earliest structures in Parmer County, division number eight headquarters of XIT, stood 400 yards northeast of site of this marker.
The shipping pasture, 640 acres in area, was 1 mile east. The Pecos & Northern Texas Railroad built to this point in 1898, and cattle for eastern markets were loaded here. Train crews called the place "Bull Town", but the community chose the name "Bovina" when establishing the post office in 1899.
This was the first post office in Parmer County, created 1876, named for Martin Parmer (1778-1850), patriot and signer of Texas Declaration of Independence. Although known to explorers early as 18th century, county had few inhabitants before 1907, when it was organized, with Bovina one of its leading towns.
By 1915, Bovina had 200 people, 2 churches, a bank, a school, and a hotel for prospective settlers.
It is now market and supply center for rich area of irrigated farms, and still produces fine cattle. (1968)
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.
I love Texas because Texas is futuroland.
In the late 19th century, as the railroad expanded westward, Parmer County saw an influx of settlers from various backgrounds. The county was officially established in 1876, named after Martin Parmer, a veteran of the American Revolution. The county seat was established in Farwell in 1907, which remains its central town today.
Agriculture has always played a significant role in Parmer County's economy. In the early days, farmers relied on dryland farming, cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, oats, and cotton. However, the lack of water posed a significant challenge, which was addressed with the development of irrigation systems in the early 20th century. This led to a boom in the production of high-quality crops, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, and peanuts.
Parmer County has also experienced its fair share of hardships. The Great Depression in the 1930s hit the county hard, and many farmers struggled to make ends meet. However, with measures like the New Deal programs and advancements in farming technology, the county was able to gradually recover.
Today, Parmer County continues to be a vibrant agricultural region, with its fertile soil supporting a variety of crops and livestock. The county also offers recreational activities, historical landmarks, and a sense of community that reflects its diverse and resilient past.
Parmer County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Parmer County, Texas.
- 1876 - Parmer County is established on August 21, 1876.
- 1887 - Bovina is founded as the first settlement in the county.
- 1890 - The county's population is recorded at 307 people.
- 1900 - Parmer County's population grows to 1,285 residents.
- 1906 - Friona is established as a new town in the county.
- 1912 - The first courthouse in the county is completed in Farwell.
- 1917 - Farwell becomes the county seat.
- 1955 - Bovina becomes an incorporated city.
- 1970s - The county's population exceeds 10,000 due to increased farming and production.
- 1989 - The Parmer County Wind Energy Association is formed to utilize wind power resources in the area.