KNOWLEDGE
One county, four eras.
From cattle drives to combines, told across 23 articles. Pick an era to start.
01 · Before 1858
Comanche country.
The land before the county line — Comanche territory, river crossings, and the Spanish trails that preceded statehood.
02 · 1858 – 1910
Cattle and Rail.
The county organized, Bowie founded along the railroad, the Chisholm Trail droves through, and the first boot shop opened in Nocona.
03 · 1910 – 1970
Cotton, oil, and depression.
Wildcat wells on the prairie, cotton gins in every town, the 1930s drought, and the slow shift to cattle operations.
04 · 1970 – now
Wind farms and water.
Lake Nocona as the county's water supply, wind turbines on the western ridgeline, and a quiet 21st-century agriculture.