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History in
a Pecan Shell
Olton was the
first town in Lamb County
and as such became the first county seat when the county
was organized in 1908.
Initial settlement occured around 1900 on a piece of state land.
The C. C. Slaughter ranch occupied most of surrunding property.
Three miles from the present town, one A. B. Powell opened a store
and post office in 1903. The name is said to come from Mr. Powell's
son or a preacher. After several changes in location, the the post
office settled at the home of T. F. Brown on the old Slaughter ranch.
The 1910 population was 75 which increased to 300 by 1930 and 782
in 1940.
Throughout the short history of Lamb
County, nearby Littlefield
was vying for the title of county seat. Elections were held in 1929,
1932, 1937 and 1946, when Littlefield
finally won. (See First Lamb County
Courthouse in Olton)
In spite of the setback which has historically sent other towns
into oblivion, Olton surprised everyone with growth. By 1960 the
town had nearly 2,000 people. In 1970 there were 78 businesses servicing
the needs of 1,782 and the last figure available was the 2010 census
figure of 2,215.
Olton, Texas
Landmarks
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The 1922 Lamb
County Courthouse in Olton. Torn down in 1964.
1939 photo courtesy of TXDoT |
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Lamb
County Courthouse historical marker, which sits on the corner of the
empty lot where the 1908 and the 1922 courthouses once stood.
Photo Courtesy Terry
Jeanson, February 2007 |
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Photographer's
Note:
"The city secretary at the Olton City Hall confirmed what I had
read in "Wanted : Historic County Jails of Texas" by Edward A. Blackburn,
Jr. The 1922 courthouse was remodeled in 1949 and served as a hospital.
It was torn down in 1964." - Terry
Jeanson , March 11, 2007 |
Welcome to Olton
Home of Racing Hall of Famer Carl Nafzger
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, 2009 |
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, please contact
us. |
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