Southland, Texas, Garza County. (original) (raw)
Southland Hotel
Photo courtesy Jim Spikes
History in a Pecan Shell
Rancher Andrew Briggs (Sug) Robertson named the town for it being (originally) the southern part of the V Ranch. Other large ranches were nearby and when Garza County was organized in 1907, Southland became the trading center for the ranches. Three years later the Pecos and Northern Railroad arrived and built a depot � assuring prosperity.
The community was granted a post office in 1911 and with the money invested by cereal magnate Charles Post, the region�s future looked good. That was before the Great Depression, which hit the area with a blow from which it never recovered.
The 1940 census counted 280 residents in Southland, serviced by eleven businesses. Twenty years later the population was down to 153 and the 2000 census slowed nearly the same (157).
"Southland, was originally called Bresford, and received its post office on July 14,1905 with Job Davies as postmaster. Later the name was changed from Bresford to Southland on July 15,1910. This information comes from Jim Wheat's Post Masters and Post Offices of Texas." - Holly Hilpert, December 05, 2011
See 1907 Postal Map ›
See Southland, Texas Forum ›
Photographer's Note:
"Southland - interesting place... Odd that Hardware Store y Cafe on US84 failed... No retail, but with Lubbock and Slaton so close - no need..." -
Southland, Texas Forum
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"The first post master and one of the first four county commissioners appointed by the governor was named Job Davies. He was my great grandfather. Thank you." - Jim Spikes, January 06, 2013 |
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