Best, Texas facts for kids
Best is a small, unincorporated community located in southwestern Reagan County, in the western part of Texas. It's a place that once had a much larger population and a very interesting history, especially during the oil boom days.
Where is Best, Texas?
Best is found in Reagan County, about 85 miles (135 km) west of a bigger city called San Angelo. It's also just 10 miles (16 km) west of Big Lake, which is the main town in Reagan County.
Back in 2010, Best had a population of only one person! But it wasn't always so quiet. The Handbook of Texas once listed Best as one of the four most important communities in Reagan County. A railway, the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway, also served the town, which was very important for its growth.
Best's Exciting History
Best's story really began in 1923 when oil was discovered nearby, about 5 miles (8 km) to the west, in a place called Texon. This oil discovery changed everything for the area.
The town of Best itself was reportedly named after Tom Best. He was an English investor in the Orient Railroad. The railroad built a special switching station in the town in 1924. After that, Best grew incredibly fast! By 1925, its population had exploded to 3,500 people.
During this time of rapid growth, Best became known as a very lively and bustling place. A popular saying about the town was that it had "the Best name in the world" because of how quickly it grew and how much activity there was. This exciting period was even featured in a novel by Clyde Ragsdale called The Big Fist.
However, the town's population didn't stay so high. After 1925, it started to shrink. By 1945, only about 300 people lived there. Even in the late 1950s, a company called National Supply Company still had a store there for oilfield equipment. But the population continued to decline, reaching just 25 people by 1990, and as mentioned, only 1 person by 2010.
