|
History in
a Pecan Shell
Once known as Red Horse, after a sign advertising the enterprises
of James Freeman. Freeman operated a saloon, cotton gin, and store.
It may have been considered a one-horse town, but in this case, the
horse was red.
Red Horse, Texas may not have passed the scrutiny of postal authorities,
so when the time came (1882) to apply for a post office, the name
Leggett was submitted. The change was meant to honor early settler
Raplh Leggett. Even James Freeman endorsed the change of name.
In 1889 a saw mill was built, but after three years in the hands of
others, it was purchased by Mr. Freeman.
The town became a stop on the railroad, but a good portion of the
community burned in 1897 - including Freeman's sawmill.
Some early (1915) oil drilling revealed natural gas deposits but not
enough to turn the community into a boom town. Population figures
aren't available for earlier years but in 1984 it was given as 375.
The 2000 census counted 500 residents. |
 |
Polk
County 1907 Postal Map showing Leggett
NE of Livingston
From Texas state map #2090
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
us. |
|
|
HOME
