OLTON, TEXAS

Olton, Texas Area Hotels:
Plainview Hotels | Littlefield Hotels

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 2000 census figure of 2,288.