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History in
a Pecan Shell
Once known
as simply Bart, Texas, the town decided to rename it after
the life-giving springs that had caused the railroad (The International-Great
Northern) to make it a water stop.
The town was platted in 1907 and irrigation brought in a few farmers.
Growth was between slow and none for thirty years. The town was
granted a post office in 1909 and by 1920 the population had reached
100 people. This number declined in the mid 1930s to only 50 citizens
- growing to 125 by 1939.
With increased mobility after WWII
the town declined back to only 50 people. Construction of Interstate
35 destroyed much of the former downtown - dashing any hopes of
a comeback or renewed growth.
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1920s La
Salle County map showing Bart (Artesia Wells P.O.)
From Texas state map #10749
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. |
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