Region: Panhandle Plains
Established as Archer County seat in 1881. In early years, it was retail and
shipping center for area ranches; still retail center for county. Agriculture
includes cattle ranching, and wheat and dairy farming. Shallow oil wells drilled
in 1920s still contribute to area economy.
Outdoor recreation includes nine-hole golf course, and city park with
swimming, picnicking and RV hookups. Seasonal hunting for dove, wild turkey,
quail and deer.
Booked Up Inc. bookstore offers the largest collection of antiquarian books
in the U.S.; gathered by native son Larry McMurtry, author of popular Western
novel, Lonesome Dove. Rare and unusual books, as well as out-of-print
publications. Occupies renovated buildings on both sides of Main Street.
940/574-2511.
The city also is site of two movies based on novels written by McMurtry: "The
Last Picture Show" filmed in 1971 and "Texasville" in 1989.