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History
in a Pecan Shell
Ralls, the largest town in Crosby
County was founded by John Robinson Ralls. He was also the town’s
benefactor. W. E. McLaughlin helped Ralls plat the townsite in July
of 1911.
Ralls paid to have a number of businesses and houses moved from the
community of Emma. The idea was to be
near the Santa Fe Railroad tracks – a move that rarely failed. Ralls
also donated land for a new school and in 1913 a new school opened
in a $17,000 building.
Ralls plan bore fruit. Being on the railroad brought the town prosperity
unimaginable in Emma. Most importantly
the railroad brought an infusion of settlers – the lifeblood of any
embryonic town.
The chamber of commerce was founded in 1917, with John’s brother Percy
as president.
Ralls was incorporated in 1922 with a population of just under 1,000
Rallites.
Ralls suffered like many Texas towns
during the 1930s – but almost exactly halfway through the decade –
June 19th, 1935 – Ralls suffered one of Texas’
worst hailstorms. Two citizens were killed and the cotton compress
was left without a roof.
Irrigation improved crop production and helped Ralls withstand the
droughts of the early 50s. |
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City Of Ralls
Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, July 2009 |
Historical Marker:
City of Ralls
Founded by John
R. Ralls, who donated land for a townsite. He erected greater part
of the business district and gave free sites plus much of the cost
of building each church in town.
In 1911, he contributed 12 acres for school site. He also offered
donation of 2,000 acres for site of Texas Technological College. Ralls,
born in Culloden, Georgia, November 13, 1863; moved West in 1880's.
After settling litigation with C.B. Livestock Company, sponsors of
towns of Crosbyton and Cedric,
Ralls secured railroad station, 1916; city was incorporated January
6, 1922, after death of founder. |
Ralls Texas
Landmarks & Attractions
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Brick Street,
Brick Buildings and Water Tower
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, July 2009 |
Another brick
building in Ralls
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, July 2009 |
Old Phillips
Station
Photo
courtesy Clayton Acker |
Old gas station
in Ralls, Texas
"I have owned this
station for the past 5 years. I have spent many months working to
preserve it. It was built in 1928 and opened for business in January
1929. Thought you may want to add it to your website. I get a lot
of people that stop and take pictures, give tours, if I am there.
We opened in 2015 as a state inspection station, mainly because it's
a small town and a place to get your car inspected was needed. It
is really my hobby shop." - Clayton Acker, June 2, 2018 |
Phillips Station
restored
Photo courtesy Clayton Acker, September 2015 |
Murals on the
restored Phillips Gas Station
Photo courtesy Clayton Acker, September 15 |
Close up of the
mural on the restored station
Photo
courtesy Clayton Acker, September 15 |
Close up of the
mural on the restored station
More Texas Murals
Photo
courtesy Clayton Acker, September 15 |
| 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/vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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