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FOLLETT, TEXAS
Lipscomb
County, Texas Panhandle
36° 26' 2" N, 100° 8' 27" W (36.433889, -100.140833)
State Highway 15
About: 21 Miles NE of Lipscomb the
county seat
50 Miles NE of Canadian
38 Miles E of Perryton
ZIP code 79034
Area code 806
Population: 373 (2020)
459 (2010) 412 (2000) 441 (1990) |
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History in
a Pecan Shell
Follet burst into
life in 1917 when it was made a stop on the North Texas and Santa
Fe Railway. Santa Fe official Thomas C. Spearman is given credit for
the idea.
It was named to honor Horace Follett, a railroad engineer. The town
virtually blossomed overnight. Like Booker,
Texas, Follett was populated by Oklahomans who crossed the state
line, proving that commerce will trump state loyalty any day.
It acquired its post office that same year (1917) and by the time
the 1920 census came around – there were 550 residents – most of them
former Oklahomans.
The town was given the slogan "Gateway to the Golden Spread"
since it had become a wheat and grain storage / distribution center
– through the efforts of the Farmer's Grain Cooperative.
The population had grown to 431 by 1940 when it had 30 businesses.
Modern irrigation has helped local agriculture and the town had 37
businesses in 1980. The population peaked that year with a reported
population of 547 which has declined to 412 for the 2000 census.
See Follett Historical Marker
›
Follett, Texas
Landmarks:
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Photographer's
Note:
Follett was a pleasant surprise. Lots to see when you look around.
- Barclay
Gibson |
Historical Marker
FOLLETT
A gateway to Texas
Panhandle's "Golden Spread". Founded as "Ivanhoe", on a
site across state line, in Oklahoma.
Town moved twice to locate on a railroad.
Situated here in 1917, and renamed for Horace Follett, railroad surveyor.
Economy based on wheat, cattle,
grain sorghums and (since 1950's) oil and gas production.
(1967) |
1920 Lipscomb
County map showing Follett
(Above "M" in "LIPSCOMB")
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
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