Higgins, Texas, was established in 1887 and named after G.H. Higgins, a prominent cattleman in the region. The town’s founding coincided with the expansion of the Santa Fe Railway. The railway played a pivotal role in the town’s early development, attracting settlers, businesses, and industries.
The arrival of the railroad transformed Higgins from a remote, sparsely populated area into a bustling center of activity. The railway provided essential infrastructure for the transport of goods, livestock, and people, facilitating trade and commerce. Farmers and ranchers in the surrounding areas could now efficiently ship their products to distant markets, boosting the local economy and ensuring the town’s growth.
The town quickly developed a diverse economic base, with general stores, hotels, and blacksmith shops springing up to cater to the needs of the town. The railroad also brought in new industries, including grain elevators and stockyards.
The railroad station became a focal point of social interaction, where people gathered to exchange news, goods, and stories. In 2020, Higgins had a population of 356. At one time, Higgins had a Will Rogers Day celebration in August.
There is a museum in Higgins, but they do not have a website. In fact, if you are thinking about a trip “up north,” call first.
Wolf Creek Heritage Museum
15600 Hwy 305, Higgins, TX, 79046
(806) 852-2123
Guest Article by:
Jerry Michels
Jerry Michels was born in 1953 and reared in Washington, MO. Jerry is an elected life member and past president of the Missouri Pacific Historical Society (MPHS). He has written many articles for the MPHS and the railroading press. He has authored two books. He attended the University of Wyoming from 1971 to 1980 receiving BS, MS, and PhD degrees. He moved to Amarillo in 1981 to take a position with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (Texas A&M). He retired after 33 years as an Emeritus Professor of Entomology. He lives with his bride of 42 years, Judy, and has one son, Kyle, who with his wife Lainey, owns Amarillo’s Bomb City Distillery. He has one granddaughter, Gabrielle, who is a sophomore at Texas A&M in electrical engineering. He is currently the treasurer of the Amarillo Railroad Museum, a board member of the Santa Fe Historical Museum. When not pursuing railroad history he enjoys traveling with Judy, other history, old movies, and stamp collecting.