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| History in
a Pecan Shell Established
in the early 1880s in the Golden Age of Railroad Expansion, the railroad
was the Texas and St. Louis and the route they were building was to connect Corsicana
with Waco.
The town was granted
a post office in 1882 and the name was meant to honor a railroad officer. By 1890
the population was approaching 200 and Axtell had most essential businesses –
including a hotel.
In 1896 the population reached 250, growing to 400
by 1914. Flooding and storms in that year ruined crops and forced farmers into
bankruptcy, nevertheless, Axtell maintained a population of 220 from the 1920s
through the 1960s.
The 1970 census showed a drop to only 105 but it has
since recovered to 300 for the 2000 census. |
1907
McLennan County Postal Map showing Axtell
( NE of Waco.
Above "A" in "Mc LENNAN")
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 and vintage/historic
photos of their town, please contact
us. | |
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