Hartley, Texas, Hartley County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan ShellHartley had been the county seat, but Channing got the railroad. The frame courthouse in Hartley was put on wheels and pulled 15 miles to Channing by cowboys from the XIT Ranch (and armed deputies). This was in 1903 and the deputies were needed since there was strong opposition to the change of county seats. Channing was the headquarters of the XIT Ranch.

The town's namesakes were the Brothers Hartley; Oliver Cromwell and Rufus, early lawyers in the area.

Photographer's Note:Another nice Panhandle town.
Don't know why I like road signs. I just do. Hartley and Channing are two of my favorites. - Barclay Gibson

Former Hartley County Jail
Recorded Texas Historical Landmark, 1966
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, July 2009

First Hartley County Jail

Built 1892, during land boom. Has not been used as jail since 1903.
Recorded Texas Historical Landmark, 1966

Historical landmark fallen into disrepair
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, July 2009

Historical Marker Texas
Location - Channing

Hartley County Courthouse

Hartley County was created in January 1891, and an election held that year designated the town of Hartley as county seat. A frame courthouse was built on the town square. In October 1896, largely due to XIT Ranch interests, a second election was held which resulted in the removal of the county seat to Channing. The frame courthouse was dismantled and moved to the new county seat, where it was reconstructed.

In May 1905 the commissioners court approved the construction of a new courthouse. Contracts were awarded to Solan & Wickens, contractors, and O. G. Roquemore, architect. The 2-story, structure was completed in October 1906 at a cost of $10,525. The beaux arts style building features a triumphal arch on the front facade, native sandstone base, and Roman Ionic paired columns. When completed, the top story provided a courtroom and two offices, and there were five offices and a lobby on the first floor. At the time of construction, the building was served by its own water well and lighting system. A vault was added to the county clerk's office in 1927. A second vault and jury dormitories were built in 1935.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1987.

1936 Centennial Highway Marker
Location: Hartley - U.S. 87

Hartley County

Formed from Young and Bexar territories: Created, August 21, 1876. Organized, February 5, 1891. Named in honor of two brothers, Oliver Cromwell and Rufus K. Hartley. Distinguished members of the Texas Bar. Hartley, the county seat.
(1936)

A Catholic mural in Hartley
Photo courtesy James Feagin, May 2001
See Texas Murals

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