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History in
a Pecan Shell
Originally
a shipping point for the XIT
Ranch, the town’s name was first known as Farwell for
the Ranch’s nearest camp.
A boxcar depot, a water tower and the residences of railroad workers
comprised the town.
In 1905 the railroad changed their designation to Perico. Perico’s
growth came about through the promotions of W. P. Soash – a town
builder who had limited success attracting settlers – and even less
success keeping “his” towns alive. (See Howard
County’s Soash, Texas).
The Perico post office was granted in late1907.
Perico’s first
school was a simple a two-room affair, replaced in 1924 by a larger
school with an auditorium, teacherage, and gym.
Perico was thriving before the onset of The Great Depression with
the T. W. Timmerman store and the Blotz-Henneman Grain Company elevator
being two of the most notewothly. In 1947 the population had decreased
to 30 persons.
The decline increased when the new highway bypassed the business
district and the post office closed by 1970.
According to the Handbook of Texas, by the mid-1980s Perico was
down to two residents and one business.
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One
of Perico’s defunct businesses
Photo courtesy Erik
Whetstone, April 2004 |
Dallam
County 1940s map showing Perico NW of Dalhart
From Texas state map #4335
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 recent or vintage photos, please contact
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