Antelope, Texas, Jack County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Although settlers had arrived prior to 1858, this was the year the post office was granted. Antelope became a stopping point for the cattle drives heading north. In the mid 1870s the town was platted by one Walter S. Jones, but the filing of the papers was in 1889. The following year Antelope had a respectable population of 300. A hotel for travelers was opened since Antelope was a stagestop between Graham and Henrietta. The population declined to 200 by 1914 and the hotel closed. By the 1940s it was down to 166, and by the 80s it was down to 65 residents - the same estimate used for the state map in 2010.

Antelope, Texas Today:

Photographer's Note:
Subject: Antelope, Texas

By the number of pictures you can see that this little town caught my attention. Particularly the old school and the cemetery.

The old gym was as if they just closed the doors decades ago and walked away. The school mascot sign, the scoreboard, basketball backboards, even the hardwood floor is still there. Very strange feel to the place. The newer building I believe is being used as a community center, as I saw nothing that looked like classrooms still in use.

The cemetery was one of the best maintained I've ever seen. Unusual markers/memorials and a complete layout of the graves in a display case near the entry.

I noticed on this trip that almost all the cemeteries I passed were very well maintained. -

Mike Price, September 2009

Antelope Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Mike Price, September 2009

Antelope United Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Mike Price, September 2009

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