Whittenburg, Texas facts for kids

Whittenburg is a fascinating place in Hutchinson County, Texas. It's known as a ghost town, which means it was once a busy community but is now mostly empty or abandoned. Many ghost towns in Texas, like Whittenburg, came to life quickly when a valuable resource was found, and then faded away when that resource ran out or was no longer needed.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that used to have a lot of people living and working there, but now has very few or no residents. These towns often become empty because the main reason they were built, like a mine or an oil field, stopped being productive. When the jobs disappear, people move away to find work elsewhere, leaving the buildings and streets behind.

How Whittenburg Began

Whittenburg was founded in 1926 by a local rancher named James A. Whittenburg. This happened because oil was discovered in the area, bringing many people hoping to find work and make money. Oil discoveries often led to boomtowns, which grew very quickly. These towns provided homes, shops, and services for the oil workers and their families.

Why Whittenburg Disappeared

The town of Whittenburg didn't last very long on its own. In 1936, just ten years after it was founded, Whittenburg merged with another nearby community called Pantex. Together, they formed a new town named Phillips. Interestingly, Phillips itself later became a ghost town, showing how quickly communities can change in areas dependent on natural resources like oil.

Other Nearby Ghost Towns

The area around Whittenburg has other interesting ghost towns too. One example is Plemons. A notable person named Roy Whittenburg was born in Plemons in 1913. Roy Whittenburg became a newspaper publisher, meaning he helped create and print newspapers. He was also a Republican politician, which means he was involved in government and worked to represent people's interests.