PANHANDLE

Population 2,357

Altitude 3,451

General

Named for its location in Texas Panhandle, became county seat upon organization of Carson County in 1888. Wheat, cattle and petroleum products are among commodities from this marketing shipping center. Restored Santa Fe depot serves as city hall.

Attractions

• SCENIC DRIVE-F.M. 293 west to Texas 136 north provides views of modern High Plains agriculture contrasted with traditional ranch lands unchanged for centuries. precise row crops are left behind as route enters rolling grasslands of broad Canadian river Valley. Fascinating historical marker beside Texas 136, some 10 miles north of F.M. 293, marks portion of trail that wound from Fort Smith, AR, to Santa Fe, NM. Though now covered by grass, wagon ruts are still visible. Texas 136 leads north to Lake Meredith and popular federal recreational areas around it.
• SQUARE HOUSE MUSEUM-One of the most attractive small museums in state. Displays and dioramas interpret the history, natural history, and art of the Texas Panhandle. Thirteen structures include the historic Square House, oldest building in the city; Santa Fe caboose; reconstructed pioneer dugout; Eclipse windmill; community church; two art galleries; wildlife hall; early ranching barn; general store; bank; blacksmith ship; education building with Indian Art and Texas flag exhibits. Self-guiding or tours by arrangement. Open daily. Pioneer Park on Texas 207. Admission free.
• THOMAS CREE'S LITTLE TREE-Set behind protective fence at south edge of U.S. 60 about five miles southwest of city is first tree planted throughout entire Texas Panhandle. Immense plains were once a sea of grass from horizon to horizon. In 1888, pioneer settler Thomas Cree hauled a sapling of bois d'arc from beyond the Cap Rock and planted it by his dugout home. Cree is long gone, but the tree thrived until 1969 when accidentally killed by an agricultural chemical. Natural seedling from original tree are growing today. Site is marked by a State Historical Marker and by medallion from National Men's Garden Clubs of America.

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