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History in
a Pecan Shell
In 1880 the Gulf,
Colorado and Santa Fe Railway arrived at the site that would become
Orchard.
Rancher S. K. Cross broke up his holdings in 1890 to sell to recently
arrived European immigrants. The name reflected Cross’ optimistic
promotion, even though early attempts to raise fruit here had failed.
A post office opened in 1893 and the following year Orchard received
12 families from Ohio, which helped the town reach a population estimated
at 250.
Orchard’s infrastructure peaked in the 1920s when it had three general
stores, a filling station, a gin and a drugstore. By the 1940s it
was down to a school, church, and four businesses. Nearby school districts
merged with Orchard in the late 1940s to form the Orchard consolidated
school district.
Orchard’s population remained at 200 from the 1920s through the 1970s. |
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| 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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