Royston, Texas facts for kids

Royston is a ghost town located in northeastern Fisher County, Texas, United States. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, leaving empty buildings and streets. Royston is about 10 miles northeast of Roby. It was founded in 1907 and once had about 500 people in 1909. However, its population slowly decreased over the years. By 1940, only 75 people lived there. By 1980 and 1990, the population was down to 30 people. Today, there are no official population figures for Royston, showing it is truly a ghost town.

Royston: A Texas Ghost Town

How Royston Began

The town of Royston started in 1906. This happened when the Texas Central Railroad built a new train line through the area. With the railroad came a train station, called a depot. Soon, homes and businesses began to appear around the new station. The Royston Post Office opened in 1907, making it an official community.

Life in Royston

Royston quickly grew into a busy place. It was the center of a rich farming area. Farmers brought their crops to Royston. The town also became more important after oil was found nearby in 1928. This discovery helped the town's economy.

Businesses and Services

Many different businesses opened in Royston. There was a large 30-room hotel for travelers. The town even had its own weekly newspaper, called the "Royston Record." People could shop at the Royston Mercantile Company, which was a general store. There was also the Royston State Bank. Other important businesses included a cotton gin, which separated cotton fibers from seeds. There was also a tin shop, a grocery store, a hardware store, a drug store, and a restaurant. Two lumberyards provided building materials.

Schools and Churches

Royston had a public school that taught local children. This school operated until 1947. At that time, it joined with the McCaulley School. Several churches also served the community. These included Methodist, Baptist, and Pentecostal churches.

Why Royston Disappeared

The railroad was very important to Royston. It offered both freight and passenger services until 1972. For many years, Royston was a key supply center for the farms around it. However, over time, the town of Royston slowly started to decline. Fewer people lived there, and businesses closed. Eventually, the railroad company removed the train tracks. Today, Royston is a ghost town. Even though it is empty, it remains an important part of Fisher County's history.