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History in
a Pecan Shell
After the Civil War, returning Texans allowed for the removal of the
Comanche Indians who had previously prevented settlement.
In the late 1870s a post office opened. Resident land owner George
R. Craft had either donated or sold a part of his holdings in 1883
so that a town could be planned. The community was named Crafton.
Although it was not on the Butterfield Overland Mail route, it was
within a mile. In 1890 the community had a population of 200 and most
essential businesses.
The town was struck by a tornado in 1909 causing great damage and
demolishing the community’s three churches.
The town rebuilt, but without a railroad
and with the cotton economy hit
by low prices, growth was not to be in Crafton’s future. The writing
was on the wall when the post office closed in 1917. The population
was less than half of the 1890 figures by the mid 1920s.
The 1950 Census reported a mere 50 residents which has since declined
to a mere 20. |
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Wise
County 1907 postal map showing Crafton
near Jack County Line
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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