Merkel Texas. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Once known as Windmill Town, Merkel came into existence with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. It was properly named after early settler S. M. Merkel in 1881. The towns first store opened in 1882 and a post office opened in June of 1883.

By 1885 there were 25 people calling Merkel home but five years later this number had increased to 400. Merkel's population was served by a Methodist church (1882), a Baptist Church (1885), Grace Presbyterian Church (1886) and the Church of Christ (1903).

Merkels first students were taught by Mrs. A. M. Thorntonin in the railroad depot before a proper school was constructed in 1887. In 1887 a college was opened but it closed after a short four years of operation. Merkels population reached 600 by 1897.

In 1890 the Merkel Mail was first published. Merkel incorporated in 1906 with G. W. Johnson serving as the town's first mayor. The Farmers and Merchants National Bank was organized in 1904.

Dr. Robert Grimes opened the town's first hospital in 1926 which remained in service until the 1960s. While agriculture was the town's first economic engine - it has shifted over the years to include oil-related employment and work at the nearby Dyess Air Force Base.

Merkel has maintained a healthy population over the years - never having suffered a serious decline. From 1,800 in 1933, to 2,000 in 1940, and 2,300 by 1950.

T&P water tank by the railroad tracks
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, June 2010

Merkel City Limit & Pop. Sign
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, June 2010

Merkel street scene & water tower
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, June 2010

The Merkel Mail & ghost sign
Photo courtesy Steve Johnson, May 2007

Merkel Events

Lord's Acre by Mike Cox
"... Always held the Saturday night before Thanksgiving, the event makes for a double November holiday for folks who live in and around Mulberry Canyon and its nearest town, Merkel. ..."

Merkel is the hometown of
Texas Cartoonist Roger T. Moore.

See "Moore Texas" Texas History Cartoon

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