Historical Marker

Olivet Cemetery

Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 18" x 28"

The Capitol Freehold Land and Investment Company, which incorporated in England in 1884 to finance the XIT Ranch, deeded land for the Olivet Cemetery to James M. Hamlin in Nov. 1908. One of the earliest burials is that of John Armstrong, XIT manager and shipping agent who was shot by cattle thieves while loading cattle onto rail cars in Bovina. A local tragedy is recalled at the plot of the Hassell family, a mother and eight children who were murdered in 1926. About one hundred interments have been indentified in the ten-acre cemetery, including veterans of military conflicts dating to the Civil War. The site was Farwell's first cemetery, and many prominent names in Parmer Co., Texas and Curry Co., New Mexico are represented here

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.