Spofford, Texas, Kinney County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Spofford was named after C.K. Spofford who opened a hotel in town shortly after the railroad came through in 1882. The town grew around the hotel and they were granted a post office in 1884. By 1900 they had 100 residents and by 1896 they had their first school.

The Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad had chosen Spofford over Brackettville. At Spofford they laid a spur to Eagle Pass and the main line continued on to Langtry.

The population reached the high water mark of 373 people in the mid-1940s. After the school consolidations in the 40s - Spofford's students were bussed to Brackettville. In 1961 the population was only 138 and it went as low as 54 people in the mid 70s.

Railroad Bridge Over Elm Creek in Spofford
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, March 2008

Another Railroad Bridge Over Elm Creek
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, March 2008

Close up of the strap-iron jail
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, March 2008

Spofford, Texas Forum

... They claimed to have a real ghost near there. She was from England, and hanged herself at Ft. Clark. - Sincerely, Eileen Locke

1940s Kinney County map showing Spofford
From Texas state map #4335
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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