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History

Graham is rooted in a rich southern history that can still be experienced today. The town was named for two brothers from Kentucky and Colorado, Colonel Edwin S. Graham and Gustavous A.Graham who came to Texas in 1869 as investors in the Texas Emigration & Land Company. After several visits, the brothers purchased a salt works located on Salt Creek in 1870 from A.B. Gant. The abundant buffalo population in the area convinced the brothers that the territory could be one of the finest cattle raising districts in the state of Texas. They gave their name to the town of Graham, which was established in 1872. To this day, there are still descendants of the two Graham brothers living in this true part of Texas history.

The population grew as farmers arrived in the area. By 1877, there were approximately 100 buildings in Graham. At that time Graham had the only terminus of telegraph lines in Northwest Texas, and was the only means of connection with the outside world for a considerable distance in every direction.

On February 17, 1877 about 100 cattlemen of North and West Texas gathered in Graham and formed the Cattle Raisers Association of Texas. The organizational meeting was held under a large live oak tree near the northwest corner of the downtown public square. Though the original oak was damaged over the years, another oak was planted in its place and dedicated to the memory of all cattle raisers.

The original Young County Jail at 608 4th Street (just off the square) in Graham was built in 1878 with locally quarried stone. T.H. Conner of Breckenridge was the contractor of the jail, which was originally two stories with the cells upstairs and living quarters downstairs for the sheriff and his family. The second floor had a wooden holding cell and steel-banded metal maximum security cage. Five Marlow brothers were once housed in this jail and the events that followed their incarceration provided the story for the movie, “The Sons of Katie Elder.” The jail was been designated a Texas historical site and the exterior looks much like it did in 1878. The interior houses Our Neck of the Woods, a unique antique and gift shop.

Graham has seen many changes through the years, from the wild frontier days to the oil boom, to present times. Through all the developments and growth, Graham has remained true to its heritage and continues to be a prosperous and welcoming city.

Historical Sites

Fort Belknap: If you listen closely, the music of Reveille and Taps, the voices of soldiers, and the sound of horses’ hoofs can be heard echoing across the Parade Grounds of the old Fort Belknap. This historic fort was established in June 24, 1851 as one of a number of forts connecting the Red River and the Rio Grand for the protection of settlers moving west. Captain Randolph Marcy, who visited the area in 1849, guided General William Goldsmith and the 5th U.S. Infantry as far as the Brazos River, where the site for the fort was selected. Natural springs near the banks of the Brazos furnished the fort’s water supply as late as 1856. The first buildings were of logs and very primitive, but later they were replaced with sandstone buildings, several of which have since been reconstructed. Fort Belknap was reported to be one of the most scenic forts on the Texas frontier. Fort Belknap was garrisoned by the U.S. Calvary troops until September 1867 when the U.S. Army abandoned it to move farther west. The Fort was restored in 1935-36 by the state and federal governments, and is now headquarters for the Fort Belknap Society, Fort Belknap Genealogical Society, and the Fort Belknap Archives, Inc. It is now owned by the citizens of Young County. Fort Belknap is one of the stops on the historic Texas Forts Trail. Fort Belknap is open Monday thru Saturday from 9-5 (closed on Wednesday) and from 1:30-5 on Sundays. For additional information, contact Fort Belknap at 940-846-3222.

Robert E. Richeson Memorial Museum: Located above the Commemorative Air Force Cactus Squadron hangar at the Graham Municipal Airport, this museum houses a collection of World War II memorabilia.

Young County Courthouse: Built on the proceeds of the strong oil economy in 1932, the courthouse stands as the centerpiece for the downtown square.

Courthouse Archway: The “Arch” stands as the only remainder of the original courthouse that was built in 1884. Native sandstone for the original two-story structure was quarried east of Graham.

Old Post Office Museum and Art Center (OPOMAC): OPOMAC is a general museum of history and fine arts that is located in a renovated 1936 U.S. post office at 500 3rd Street. Highlights include a historic mural by artist Alexandre Hogue, titled “Oilfields of Graham,” information about the Brazos River Indian Reservation, the founding of Graham and the establishment of the Texas southwest Cattle Raiser’s Association. Special exhibits, a gift shop, and a permanent art collection are among the attractions. THE OPOMAC is a National Historic Landmark. For information on exhibits, visit the Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events at www.grahamtxchamber.com or call the OPOMAC at 940-549-1470 or visit www.opomac.org.

Young County Veterans’ Memorial: The Memorial is a standing tribute to all Young County men and women who served their country since WWII. These men and women are truly our heroes.

America’s Largest Downtown Square: Stop by the Visitor Center at the Graham Chamber of Commerce and pick up a brochure that will lead you on a self-guided walking tour of 44 historic properties on and around the scenic downtown square.