Swenson Ranch Commissary
Stamford, Jones County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Texas Central Railroad and the SMS Ranch collaborated to create the town of Stamford in the late 1890s. Built about 1900, this building was strategically located to serve as the central supply storage facility for the four extensive Swenson ranches in west Texas: Tongue River, Spur, Throckmorton and Flat Top. The utilitarian structure was constructed of Lueders stone, and located adjacent to the railroad tracks. Supplies were off-loaded from the trains and stored until the various ranch foremen could come into town to collect their supplies and exchange news. The building is a reminder of Stamford's origins. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Around 1900, the Texas Central Railroad and the SMS Ranch teamed up to create the town of Stamford, and this stout Lueders-stone building rose beside the tracks to serve it. It was the central supply depot for the four sprawling Swenson ranches of west Texas — Tongue River, Spur, Throckmorton and Flat Top. Goods came off the trains and waited here until ranch foremen rode into town to collect provisions and swap news.
Why it matters
The commissary captures the moment railroads and great cattle ranches together summoned whole towns into being on the west Texas plains.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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