New Deal, Texas, Lubbock County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The town sprang up in 1909 alongside the rails of the Southern Pacific connecting Plainview and Lubbock. Originally named Monroe (after railroad promoter Monroe G. Abernathy), the name was changed in 1949 when a post office opened. The name New Deal had been in use (since 1935) for the consolidated school district* under Franklin Roosevelt�s Depression-era programs.

A school was built in 1917 and by the late 20s the town had most essential businesses. The 1940 population was given as 125 residents. This grew to 500 by 1970 � the year New Deal incorporated. From 637 people for the 1980 census, New Deal has grown to just over 700 for the 2000 census.

*Formed from the communities of Caldwell, Center, Grovesville, and Monroe.

Lubbock County 1940s map showing "Monroe" (near Hale County line) before name-change to New Deal.
From Texas state map #4335
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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