Hampton, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hampton, Texas
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Location of Hampton, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Palo Pinto |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.0 sq mi (0.5 km2) |
| • Land | 0.0 sq mi (0.5 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
| Elevation | 968 ft (295 m) |
| Population
(1875)
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| • Total | 150 |
| • Density | 0/sq mi (0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 254 |
Hampton was a small town in Palo Pinto County, Texas, United States. It was a frontier settlement that later moved about one mile south to be closer to a new railroad. When it moved in 1881, the town was renamed Gordon.
Contents
Where Was Hampton Located?
Hampton was in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was located about one mile north of where the town of Gordon, Texas is today.
Hampton's Early Days
The town of Hampton started around 1864. It was a small community on the edge of the frontier, with buildings mostly made of wood. In 1879, a post office opened, making it easier for people to send and receive mail. Robert Rogan was the first postmaster.
Early business owners like Mr. Rogan and Mr. Cotney helped the town grow. Jess Neblet was the first merchant, selling important items like groceries and dry goods. Churches also became part of the community. The First Baptist Church of Hampton was formed in 1879, and the Methodist Church followed soon after.
The Railroad Arrives
Just as Hampton was becoming a busy place, something big happened: the Texas and Pacific Railway began building tracks through southern Palo Pinto County. This new railroad was a huge project, connecting Fort Worth all the way to Sierra Blanca. The tracks were laid between 1880 and 1881.
The railroad did not go directly through Hampton. Instead, it was built about a mile south of the town. This was a big deal because railroads were like the highways of the past. They made it much easier and faster to transport goods and people.
Moving the Town
Because the railroad was so important, the leaders of Hampton decided it would be best to move the entire town closer to the tracks. This way, the community could benefit from the new transportation link. Important town leaders like Albert Lusk, Ben Foster, Jess Neblet, and others helped make this big decision.
By late 1881, Hampton was busy moving to its new spot near the railroad. The new location was named Gordon. The First Baptist Church moved to Gordon in late 1881, and the Methodist Church followed in early 1882. The Hampton post office was one of the last things to move. It reopened in Gordon on October 17, 1883.
Education in the Area
The area where Hampton was once located is now served by the Gordon Independent School District. This school district provides education for students in the Gordon area.
