Site of Parmerton

Parmerton held the county government for a few months on a hill. A one-story frame courthouse stood atop Parmerton Hill, halfway between Friona and Bovina, with a residence for the county judge nearby and, across the road, a cook shack that fed residents and passers-by. A post office opened in September 1907 and closed on August 15, 1908. After voters chose Farwell on December 10, 1907, the county records were moved five months later to the Hamlin Brick, a new building in Farwell. Only a historical marker and the railroad switch remain.

What the plaque says

Site of Parmerton (Elevation 4,202 feet) Founded as Parmer Switch on Pecos & Northern Texas Railroad in 1898. In 1906, became site of a model farm. Using Campbell dry farming method, run by Capitol Freehold Land & Investment Co. In 1907, Parmerton Townsite Co. bought 200 acres of the farm and laid out a town, which was designed first county seat that same year. A post office was soon established. When, in late 1907, Farwell was elected new county seat, Parmerton's citizens departed, taking homes and other buildings with them. Only the railroad switch marks the site today. (1971)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Deaf Smith County Historical Museum — 28 mi
  Hereford's county museum in an early Catholic school: the Windmill City's pioneers, a half-dugout and caboose outside, and work by the Italian prisoners held south of town in the war.

More markers nearby

• Site of First Church in City of Friona — 6.0 mi
• Friona's First Barber Shop — 6.1 mi
• Friona Schools — 6.1 mi
• Friona — 6.2 mi