Region: Panhandle Plains
This seat of Jones County was founded in 1881 and named for Dr. Anson Jones,
last president of the Republic of Texas. This is one of richest farming areas in
Texas; cotton production can be observed from field to gin. Other primary crops
include wheat, sorghum, hay and oats. Cattle, oil, gas extraction and gypsum
products add to the economy.
Each December since 1885, The Cowboys' Christmas Ball is held in Pioneer
Hall. Popularized by Michael Martin Murphey's musical rendition of the "The
Cowboys' Christmas Ball," a poem honoring ranchmen of Texas written in 1890 by
William Lawrence (Larry) Chittenden after attending one of the balls.
Check out the "Cowboy Dance" art by Jenne Magafan in the U.S. Post Office.
It's one of the best preserved Post Office murals authorized by the section of
Fine Arts within the Treasury Department during Franklin Roosevelt's
administration.