Shafter Lake, Texas, Andrews County ghost town. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Originally named Salt Lake when it was developed at the turn of the (20th) century, it was later renamed to honor the man who had discovered it in 1875. Major General William Rufus Shafter was a veteran of the Civil War, Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War. Shafter died at his California Ranch in 1906.)

James T. Cumley, local editor, was Shafter Lake�s biggest booster. Cumley published glowing reports of the fledgling community in his newspaper and then sent copies out across the country, hoping to lure new residents.

The town was platted in 1907 and before the end of that year, there were an estimated 50 houses. A post office was granted that same year and a cemetery was established the next. Plans for a railroad connection never materialized, but nevertheless, Shafter Lake reached a respectable population of 500 residents by 1910.

That same year the town entered into a �county-seat war� with nearby Andrews. Shafter Lake lost and suffered the inevitable fate of towns that lose such fights. A large portion of the population relocated to the winning town, leaving little sign that the community once throve. Even the cemetery became a ghost—leaving behind the remains of the dozen or so people who had the misfortune of dying in a soon-to-be ghost town.

Historical Marker: From Andrews, take US 385 N about 7 miles, then go W on FM 1967 about 6.75 miles.

Shafter Lake Townsite

First town in yet-unorganized Andrews County. Platted 1908. Named for lake charted in 1875 survey of Col. Wm. R. Shafter, whose maps and victories over powerful Indians opened the Permian Basin to settlement. Water trough built by John Underwood of Shafter Lake Sand and Gravel is on site then set aside for a courthouse. It was stopping place for ranchers and freighters on way from Jal and Monument, N. Mex., into Texas. Town started to grow around trough. But when vote in 1910 county organization gave county seat to Andrews, town moved there.
(1965)

Historical Marker: NW 2001, 1.6 miles S of FM 1967 (Frankel City Highway), SE side of Shafter Lake

Shafter Lake Cemetery

(1.5 miles West)
Established just after turn of the century, on the south bank of Shafter Lake, and two miles south of the extinct settlement of Shafter Lake. Named for Colonel William R. Shafter (1835-1906), who led military expedition through region in 1875. It became the resting place for residents of remote ranches and travelers. Oldest legible gravestones are dated 1909; those of Joseph Snively and Mrs. Lucy Woolsey. Several remains have been removed by relatives; site now contains 12 known graves. The once neglected cemetery is cared for by Andrews County.
(1973)

Last remains of the original town
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2008

| Photographer's Note: Linsay Baker wrote about Shafter Lake in 'Ghost Towns of Texas.' Other structures now occupy the area but only the house remains of the original town. Shafter Lake is about eight miles northwest of Andrews in Andrews County." - Barclay Gibson, February 2008 | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |

Andrew County, TX 1920s map showing Shafter Lake
From Texas state map #10749
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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