Region: Big Bend Country
The town began in 1926 when oil was discovered in the Hendrick oil field in
Winkler County. By the next year, the Wink Townsite Co. began selling lots on a
local ranch. The oil boom brought new people to the town, causing a shortage of
housing. Wink was originally named Winkler, in honor of C.M. Winkler, a colonel
in the Confederate Army, a member of the Texas Legislature and a justice of the
Court of Civil Appeals. The county also was named for him. However, the post
office said there was already a Winkler and the name was shortened to Wink.
Today, Wink's economy is still based on the petroleum industry, as well as
ranching.