Vigo Park, Swisher County, Texas Panhandle Ghost Town. (original) (raw)

The old Vigo Park school, now a community center.
Photo courtesy Suzan Caudle, Lubbock, TX

History in a Pecan Shell

The towns name comes from Vigo and Parke counties in Indiana � the former homes of the settlers recruited by the Indiana-Texas Land Company. The company had purchased a large tract of the JA Ranch and developed it around 1906. A post office was granted in 1907 under �Vio� - an apparent misspelling of Vigo. In 1908 the word Park was added.

Vigo Park never got a railroad, but wells helped the residents irrigate their property and the town managed to hold its own, although the population was only 40 in 1940.

"The School opened in 1918 and boasted up to 100 students at it's peak. It closed in 1947. The building was restored recently by the residents of Vigo Park." - David Higgins

The old San Jacinto School 3 miles East of Vigo Park
Photo courtesy Erik Whetstone, April 2004

Vigo Park, Texas Forum

Subject: Cafe in Vigo Park, TX
They have a caf� that is owned and operated by Rosa Lee McBride, 84 or 85, who still does the cooking. I just came from there � she doesn�t have a sign because everyone knows where she is. It is a caring community and if she gets �down�, the community keeps the caf� going for her! - Linda Paschall, February 14, 2012

The store opened in 1907 as a 2-story structure with Dr & lawyer offices on the 2nd floor. It closed in 2004.
Photo courtesy Suzan Caudle

Vigo Park, Texas 79088
"The Post Office is still operating, with a total of 16 P.O. boxes" - David Higgins
Photo courtesy Suzan Caudle, Lubbock, TX

Swisher County 1940s map showing Vigo Park
From Texas state map #4335
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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