Bovina
Bovina, Texas
Bovina is on U.S. Highway 60 between two forks of Running Water Draw in western Parmer County. Originally the community was the Hay Hook Line Camp of the XIT Ranch, and the ranch headquarters was one of the county's earliest buildings. When the Pecos and Northern Texas Railway was built through the ranch in 1898 a switch was placed at the site to be used by cowboys to unload cottonseed shipped in as feed. Some of this feed was invariably spilled along the tracks, causing XIT cattle to gather at the unfenced right-of-way. Often they lay down, compelling railroad workers to get off their trains and prod them off the tracks. As a result the site was labeled Bull Town, a name replaced by the more elegant Bovina when the post office was established on January 31, 1899. Bovina soon experienced a boom and for a time shipped a larger volume of cattle than any other shipping point in the world.
By the time settlers began moving into the area around 1905, two churches had been organized and a school started. In addition Bovina had a general store, a livery barn, a barbershop, and a boardinghouse where travelers, most of whom brought their own bedding, were accommodated with meals. As land sales increased, a bank, a second hotel, and numerous residences were built. The South and West Land Company established its headquarters at Bovina, and school facilities were enlarged to meet the needs of a rapidly growing populace. By 1915 the town had about 200 residents.
H. Allen Anderson | © TSHA
Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.
- ✅ Adoption Status:
Belongs to
Bovina is part of or belongs to the following places:
Currently Exists
Yes
Place type
Bovina is classified as a Town
Associated Names
- (Bull Town)
Location
Latitude: 34.51565730Longitude: -102.88465000
Has Post Office
Yes
Is Incorporated
Yes
Population Count, 2021 View more »
1,703