Region: Panhandle Plains
Established in 1880 with building of Texas and Pacific Railroad. A
roundhouse, repair shops and switches marked railroad division point named for
Matthew Baird, the railroad director who drove the first stake on the T&P
Railroad in 1875. Today it is the seat of Callahan County and a commercial
center for farming and livestock area.
Many antique and specialty shops are in restored turn-of-the-century
buildings downtown. Officially recognized as Antique Capital of West Texas by
the Texas Legislature in 1993.
The Old Rock Jail at 100 W. Fifth St. was moved from the former county seat
in Belle Plain. Each block was numbered and the jail was rebuilt exactly as it
had been.
More than 80 area military personnel who perished during World War I, World
War II, Korea and Vietnam are remembered on the "Wall of Honor" in the Callahan
County Courthouse. During business hours, visitors can see photos and learn
about each county resident who fought and died for their country.
In season, hunters take wild turkey, deer, quail, dove and wild hog. Golfers
find a challenging and scenic 18-hole golf course inviting
year-round.