City of Brownfield

J. R. Hill and his family arrived first and built Hill's Hotel on the north side of the square, where he opened the post office on April 1, 1903. Settlers lived in tents, covered wagons or dugouts until lumber could be hauled from Big Spring or Colorado City. The founders gave a block each for the courthouse, school and churches; the school, lacking money for a teacher, served as dance hall and church until classes began in 1905. That October the Brownfield State Bank opened to serve three counties and part of eastern New Mexico.

What the plaque says

City of Brownfield County seat of Terry County. Founded in 1903 by developers W. G. Hardin and A. F. Small. Named for Brownfield family, prominent property owners and ranchers in the area. Measuring with only 100 feet of wire, Hardin and Small laid out a town on this site (then a pasture) and offered a lot to each voter in county. Streets (named for first settlers) were designated and a general store, hotel, and school were built. In 1904 the town vied with Gomez for county seat, winning by slim margin. Present economy is based on farming and oil. (1971)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Colonel B. F. Terry and Terry's Texas Rangers — steps away
• Brownfield Municipal Power Plant — steps away
• First Baptist Church of Brownfield — 0.2 mi
• Maids and Matrons Club — 0.2 mi