Runnels City, Texas, aka Old Runnels, Runnels County ghost town. (original) (raw)
History on a Pinhead
Once the county seat of Runnels County (1880), it had a population of 250 two years later. But it was bypassed by the railroad in favor of Ballinger in 1886. In a gracious offer (which was immediately accepted) the railroad offered Runnels City residents lots in Ballinger. In 1887 Ballinger became the county seat. Today only the Centennial marker reminds travelers of this short-lived ghost town.
Photographer's Note:
Runnels (City) is located about 4-1/2 miles north of Ballinger on FM 2887. There is nothing visible left of the city. -
History
From "Eighteen Ghost Towns of Runnels County" by Alton O'Neil Jr.:
"Runnels City, or Old Runnels, is a ghost town five miles north of Ballinger in Runnels County. It was designated the county seat when the county was organized in 1880.
Its population was 250 in 1882, but the Santa Fe Railroad bypassed the town in 1886. When the railroad offered residents building sites and a general relocation of buildings in Ballinger, people in Runnels City accepted, and in 1887 Ballinger became the county seat.
By 1947 a rock hut and a ruined two-story rock building were the only remnants of Runnels City."
Postcard cancelled with Runnels, Texas 1887 Postmark
Courtesy Danny Whatley
Cover cancelled with Runnels, Texas Postmark
Courtesy Danny Whatley
Runnels City is already off the Runnels County map by 1907
Postal map courtesy of Texas General Land Office
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