Petersburg
Petersburg, Hale County, Texas
Marker Inscription
First established, Sept. 9, 1891, as a rural post office about 5 miles northeast, at the home of Capt. Zack Peters, whose wife, Margaret, was postmaster. Ed M. White built first house at present site, about 1895. When Peters family moved from area, in 1896, White assumed postmaster duties. In 1902, he opened the first business in Petersburg, a general mercantile store. The settlement incorporated in 1927, and elected Charles Schuler as mayor. After arrival of Fort Worth & Denver Railroad, in 1928, Petersburg became an agricultural marketing center for the area. 1973
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Petersburg began in 1891 as a rural post office run by Margaret Peters out of her home, five miles from the present townsite. Ed M. White built the first house here around 1895, took over the mail, and opened the settlement's first store in 1902. The town incorporated in 1927, and the arrival of the Fort Worth & Denver Railroad the next year turned it into an agricultural marketing hub.
Why it matters
Petersburg traces the familiar West Texas arc from scattered homesteads to a railroad-fed farm town on the High Plains.
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Related people
- ¡ Zack Peters
- ¡ Margaret Peters
- ¡ Ed M. White
- ¡ Charles Schuler
Themes & tags
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