Jud, Texas facts for kids

Jud is a fascinating ghost town located in the far western part of Haskell County, Texas, in the United States. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, often leaving behind empty buildings. Jud sits along FM 617, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) west of a town called Rochester.

Just a short distance away, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) to the west of Jud, two important rivers meet. These are the Double Mountain Fork and the Salt Fork Brazos River. When they join together, they form the famous Brazos River, one of the longest rivers in Texas!

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that used to be a lively community but is now mostly empty. People might leave a town for many reasons. Sometimes, a local industry, like mining or farming, might stop being profitable. Other times, natural disasters or changes in transportation routes can make people move away. In the case of Jud, it's a small farming community that has seen most of its residents leave over time.

History of Jud

Jud began as a farming community. For many years, people lived and worked there, growing crops and raising animals. Today, most of the buildings are gone or have fallen into ruin. The only building still standing is an old Baptist church. It's a quiet reminder of the people who once lived there.

The Jud Fest Music Festival

Even though Jud is mostly a ghost town, it comes alive every summer for a special event called JUD FEST. This festival is a big celebration of music and food! Local and regional Texas country artists come to perform their songs, filling the air with music. There's also a fun meat cookoff where people show off their cooking skills. It's a great way for people to gather and remember the community spirit of Jud.