Spanish explorers crossed the area of present Ward County more than 400 years ago, but it remained an undisturbed habitat of Native Americans until the mid-1800s. The city was established in about 1881 as a stop on the Texas and Pacific Railroad, which was building west from Fort Worth. It became the county seat and, today, is a financial and marketing center for more than 800 square miles of cattle and oil country.

Oil wells, drilled at a distance from the downtown area, are slanted to draw oil from beneath city hall, courthouse, banks and business houses.