Historical Marker

Friona

Historical marker location:
700 Main Street, Friona, Texas
( 700 Main Street, City Park)
Marker installed: 2006
Marker size: 27" x 42"

When established by the XIT Ranch in 1898, this community was originally called Frio, after Frio (Cold) Draw, and it served as a shipping point on the recently built Pecos & Northern Railroad. In 1906, the George G. Wright Land Co. took options on area lands and initiated a colonization project, promising fertile land and a healthful climate to attract prospective settlers from Ohio to Kansas. The company erected a hotel, livery stable and a bank. The town's name changed to Friona when the post office opened March 16, 1907. Sarah D. Olson served as the community's first postmaster. That same year, Parmer County organized, and the Union Congregational Church became Friona's first church. A school opened the following year.

A controversy between Friona and Farwell over the location of the county seat led to an election in 1913. Voters chose Farwell and Friona residents contested the results, but a court ruled in 1916 in favor of Farwell. That year, S.A. Harris began publishing a local newspaper, the Friona Sentinel; it became the Friona Star in 1925. Residents voted to incorporate the city in 1928, electing John W. White as mayor.

In the latter part of the 20th century, Friona served as a regional marketing center for agricultural and beef products, and claimed the distinction of "Grain Sorghum Capital of the World." A June 1995 tornado destroyed the original historical marker for the community, and during the town's centennial year, 2006, citizens dedicated this replacement marker in City Park, across the street from the old Syndicate Hotel. (2006)

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.

cities and towns land surveys, land companies, promotional towns
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Parmer County, located in the Panhandle region of Texas, has a rich history dating back to the time of the Native American tribes who once inhabited the area. Prior to European settlement, the Apache and Comanche tribes roamed the plains of Parmer County, utilizing the fertile land for hunting and gathering.

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.

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.