Back to our beginnings

This is an interesting story of boom and bust. For more information, read "The richest acre in Texas" below.

Shafter was a sizeable town with rock cabins on both sides of the road.

"Located in West Texas, Shafter ghost town is a former mining settlement that once thrived in the early 20th century. Founded in 1907, the town was named after Confederate Army officer William R. Shafter, who discovered the area while patrolling the region.

History

Shafter Lake, a saltwater lake, was the focal point of the town’s economy. The town grew rapidly, with a population of 500, boasting a bank, churches, post office, school, and even its own newspaper. However, the town’s fortunes began to decline after losing an election for the county seat and a devastating smallpox epidemic in 1910-1911. The epidemic killed a significant portion of the population, and the town’s residents eventually abandoned the area."

Wikipedia

www.marfapublicradio.org/2017-11-01/from-riches…Läs mer