Upton County Texas History & Genealogy

03/23/2026

Does anyone remember when the old drive in theater in McCamey closed? 🎬

I’d love to know what the last movie shown there was, and even better, does anyone remember when it first opened?

Seems like one of those pieces of local history that deserves to be remembered. Share your memories if you’ve got them! 🍿✨

03/17/2026

There’s something special about stepping back in time… 🤍

Do y’all think this is the same building?

This photo, taken around 1930 in McCamey, features Lucille (sitting) and Leatha (standing) Gamble enjoying what looks like a beautiful day. I love how relaxed they seem just “hanging out” long before that was even a phrase.

And those outfits! It’s such a perfect snapshot of everyday fashion from the era; simple, practical, but still full of charm and personality.

I can’t help but wonder, could this spot still be standing somewhere in town? Or maybe it’s changed just enough to be hard to recognize.

What do you think? Same building or not? 👀

03/07/2026

🏘️ McCamey Trivia 🧐

Our local grocery store on 6th street has been feeding McCamey families for generations, but over the years it has gone by several different names.

Many remember it as T&C Village Market, and today it’s Lowe’s Market.

But long before those names…

❓ What was the store originally called?

💡 Hint: It was named after a prominent McCamey family whose roots go back to the early days of the town.

Bonus points if you remember shopping there when the old name was still on the building!

Drop your guesses below

02/22/2026

🏛 Upton County History Trivia

Before Rankin, before McCamey, before the railroad, and before Upland faded into ruins…

Who was responsible for laying out and promoting the townsite of Upland, bringing residents to the area and helping it become Upton County’s first county seat in the early 1900s?

👀 Hint: He has a street named after him in Rankin.

02/14/2026

TRIVIA TIME

Today, Upland is little more than an old cemetery and the crumbling ruins of a courthouse.

But in 1910, Upland was declared the first county seat of Upton County. There were high hopes for the community.

It had:
• A newspaper called The Upland Roundup
• Churches
• Hotels
• A school
• Big dreams of becoming the county's center

So here's the question:

What was the nail in the coffin for this young booming town?

Drop your guesses below ⬇️

02/10/2026

A snowy day in Rankin, February 1940. Snow covers the street, a rare sight for West Texas. Taylor & Co. Merchandise can be seen in the background, while Hattie Garner Mitchell and Joe Loftin stand in this street scene, captured in an everyday moment from Rankin’s past.

📷: Coutesy of Phillip Murry

02/07/2026

🥤 McCamey Trivia 🥤

Back in 1929, when McCamey was booming, John Dunagan opened a business on the 400 block of Monroe Avenue that kept oilfield crews cooled off and kids grinning.

It wasn’t a café.
It wasn’t a bank.
But everyone in town knew it.

👉 What was it? 👀⬇️

02/01/2026

🕵️‍♂️ WHO AM I? – Upton County Edition

Clue 1: I was born in 1909 in Gaines County, Texas.

Clue 2: I lived on a ranch near Upland and later Rankin, where my father served as Upton County judge for 3 terms.

Clue 3: I graduated from Rankin High School in 1926.

Clue 4: In 1935, I earned my degree from Sul Ross State University.

Clue 5: I proudly served as a World War II veteran.

Clue 6: I spent 40 years as a teacher, most of that time in Crane, but also in Marfa, Sanderson, and Sierra Blanca.

Clue 7: Beyond the classroom, I became known as a novelist, poet, short-story writer, essayist, storyteller, and educator.

Clue 8: As teacher and mentor, I heavily influenced author Elmer Kelton.

Clue 9: I wrote quite a few books, most notably Crazy Women in the Rafters: Memories of a Texas Boyhood (1976), an account of growing up on a ranch near Upland.

👉 Who am I?

01/28/2026

01/26/2026

I came across these aerial photos of McCamey from 1990, and wow… they brought back a flood of memories. Hard to believe how much has changed,
and how much still feels the same.

Who remembers….

📸: https://vintageaerial.com

01/24/2026

McCamey History Trivia 🏫⬇️

As many of you know, McCamey High School is about to be torn down, and it got me thinking about the history beneath our feet.

Trivia question (thanks to Bill Darby):
👉 Before the high school was built, what was originally located on that land?

Drop your guesses, memories, or stories below 👇
Bonus points if you remember hearing about it from parents, grandparents, or old-timers.

Let’s preserve a little McCamey history before the building comes down. 🧡🖤

***Answer in comments

01/17/2026

Here is a little trivia for your Saturday…

The famous “M” overlooking McCamey wasn’t always located on its current hill. Where was it originally located?



Edit: Answer in the comments ❤️