Palito Blanco, Texas, Jim Wells County. (original) (raw)

Entering Palito Blanco
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

History in a Pecan Shell

Although the Spanish words translate into �small white saplings�, locals claim that the Mexican ranchers who first came here named it after hackberry trees they found.

The first population figure is from the 1891 when the village reported 25 residents. It wasn�t until 1916 when the first post office opened, but that soon closed and residents had to wait until 1928 before it was reestablished.

The 1933 population was reported as 20 with five businesses in operation. It peaked in 1943 with 100 residents counted but it dropped like a stone for the 1950 census with only 40 people counted.

It has remained more or less frozen in time, with an estimated 35 residents in 1990.

Palito Blanco, Texas Today

Photographer's Note:
"Palito Blanco is an interesting village. It is off the major highways and is indeed an out of the way place.�I was surprised to find that it has its own school, has two cemeteries and a small church. It has one place of entertainment, the G & G Bar (open only on Saturday and Sunday) in business since 1968." - Gerald Massey, October 2010

Palito Blanco - G & G Bar
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

Palito Blanco Cemetery - Gonzalez Gravesite
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

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