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History
in a Pecan Shell
The Back community began in 1904 with the arrival of J. D. Black who
purchased 640 acres of land at $5 per acre. The family arrived in
Amarillo on an
"emigrant car" and traveled to their new home by wagon. They built
a three-room frame home an raised cotton, corn and watermelons.
In 1899, a rural school was established nearby and later moved because
of periodic flooding. In 1903, the school building was torn down and
all material stolen. Though part of the materials were found, no charges
were filed.
A new, larger, brick school opened in 1904 with all community activities
taking place there. Church, baseball games, picnics and ice-skating
in winter were some of the activities. A prolonged drought and recession
slowed growth until 1927 when oil was discovered on Black land bringing
in a gusher spouting oil high above the wooden derrick and flowing
at an estimated 6,000 barrels a day.
Immediately, many acres were plotted for "Back City" with the first
business being a filling station built by Clyde Holloway. A larger
school was added and the future of Back City seemed destined to grow.
Sadly, a new railroad and petroleum refinery were located some miles
to the north and the hopes of Back City residents never materialized.
Today, only the foundations of Back City are visible to passing visitors
and the Back gusher played out after producing for many years. The
foundation for the pump jack and outbuildings along with a little
junk mark the location of the original oil discovery.
© Delbert
Trew |
| 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
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