Sher-Han, Texas facts for kids

Sher-Han was once a small town in Texas. It was built a long time ago during World War II. Today, it is a "ghost town," meaning no one lives there anymore. It is located in Hansford County, Texas, near the border with Oklahoma.

What Was Sher-Han?

Sher-Han was not a regular town. It was an industrial camp. This means it was built by big companies for their workers. These workers helped get natural gas from the ground. The town's name came from two company plants: Phillips Hansford and Sherman.

Why Was Sher-Han Built?

During World War II, energy was very important. Companies like Phillips Petroleum Company, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, and Michigan Wisconsin Pipe Line Company needed to get natural gas. They built a plant to take out valuable liquids from the gas.

The plant was in a very remote area. There were no paved roads nearby. So, the companies built homes for their employees. They wanted to make it easy for workers to live close to their jobs.

Life in Sher-Han

At its busiest time, about 400 people lived in Sher-Han. There were 105 homes for families. The town also had a community center where people could gather. There was a Baptist church and a grocery store. The grocery store even had a gas station.

Why Did Sher-Han Close?

Sher-Han was shut down in the 1960s. The companies decided it was not safe to have families living so close to the industrial plant. The plant stored materials that could be dangerous.

When the town closed, many buildings were moved. The church and most of the houses were taken to other places. Some houses were left behind and became abandoned. All the other buildings in the town were closed up.

What Can You See Today?

Today, you can still see some parts of Sher-Han. The foundations of the old houses are still there. Some barns and bunkhouses are also still standing.

Finding Sher-Han

The area where Sher-Han was located is closed to the public. However, you can see the site from Texas State Highway 9.

Sher-Han is located at these coordinates: 36°29'52.5"N 101°27'49.1"W.