DUFFAU, TEXAS

Erath County, Central Texas North

FM 1824 and FM 2481
15 miles SE of Stephenville the county seat
12 miles SW of Chalk Mountain
Population: 76 (1990)

Book Hotel Here › Stephenville Hotels

Duffau's old schoolhouse is now a community center
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008

History in a Pecan Shell

According to the Handbook of Texas, the town was "named for Duffo, an Indian buried nearby." The handbook also has an entry for a New Yorker named Francis T. Duffau (1808-1871) who served in the Texas Revolution, was a teacher, lawyer, and businessman in Houston, a county clerk for Milam County, a trustee for (what became the Texas School for the Deaf) and who also served in the Texas Militia.

It's possible that Duffo the Indian is the town's namesake, but our money is on Francis.

The town was thriving for awhile, but after being bypassed by the railroad, it declined in the 1890s.

Duffau has its own cemetery - just off FM 2481 and Duffau Creek.

Duffau, Texas Landmarks:

Entering Duffau
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008

Duffau Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008

Duffau Baptist Church historical marker
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008
More Texas Churches

Duffau Cemetery
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008

Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008

Photo courtesy Jim & Lou Kinsey, 2003

Duffau Cemetery historical marker
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008
More Texas Cemeteries

Old gas station and store, Duffau, Texas

Closed gas station & store
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008
More Texas Gas Stations

Duffau closed gym
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008

Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008
See Texas Schoolhouses

Duffau Texas old water tank and merry-go-round

Water system & merry-go-round
Photo courtesy Jim & Lou Kinsey , 2003

Duffau, Texas Forum

Imagine my suprise when I saw the pictures of Duffau school, I had the privelige of attending the school in the early 50s.

I remember the water out of that stone tower, tasted like rotten eggs, and the mineral smell from the water nearly ran us out in the summer time.

The gym was built by the WPA, and we roller skated inside during the winter.

You show the old store. We got off the bus, and bought candy there. They had a great big persimmon tree right out in front. Those persimmons were so juicy, they would gush all over your face.

I really didn't learn a dang thing in that school, but I still have friends there since I still live in this area. - Thank you, Michael Flowers, March 05, 2004

Take a road trip

Duffau, Texas Nearby Towns:
Stephenville the county seat
Chalk Mountain
See Erath County

Book Hotel Here:
Stephenville Hotels | More Hotels

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact us.