Texola Oklahoma is A Ghost Town on Route 66

Howdy, folks! Big Mike here, ready to take you on a journey back in time to the almost forgotten town of Texola, Oklahoma. Now, Texola is not your typical bustling town. In fact, it’s what they call a “living ghost town.” Yep, that’s right, there are still a few folks calling this place home (around 43, to be exact!), but the echoes of the past sure are louder than the present here. Texola Oklahoma has its unofficial motto “There is No Place Like Texola.”

Let me tell you, Texola, Oklahoma, has a special place in my heart. I’ve spent countless hours exploring this forgotten town, wandering through its deserted streets and abandoned buildings. I’ve poured over historical records and even watched videos to piece together the story of this fascinating place. And let me tell ya, every trip, both online and in person, has been an adventure

Texola sits smack dab on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, right on the legendary Route 66. Back in the day, this was a major thoroughfare for folks headin’ west, and Texola was a popular stop. The arrival of Route 66 had a real positive impact on the local economy. But when Interstate 40 was built in 1975, bypassin’ the town altogether, well, things took a turn. Businesses dried up, folks moved on, and Texola became a shadow of its former self.  

What to See in Texola

Now, even though Texola is mostly abandoned, there are still some interesting sights to see. Here are a few of my favorites:

The Magnolia Service Station: This old gas station was built in 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a reminder of the days when Route 66 was the main artery of travel through these parts.

The One Room Jail: This tiny jail was built in 1910 and is exactly what it sounds like – one small room with iron bars on the door and window. It might not seem like much, but it’s a quirky little piece of history.

The Tumbleweed Grill & Waterhole #2 Country Store: This place is a lifesaver for folks like me who love to explore these forgotten towns. It’s a general store, snack bar, and tourist spot all rolled into one. They even say it’s the oldest working cafe on Route 66!

Abandoned Buildings: Texola Oklahoma is full of them ! Walking’ down the main drag, you’ll see old houses, businesses, and even a bar with the words “There is no place like Texola” painted on its wall. It’s a bit eerie, but it’s also a powerful reminder of how things change over time.

Original 1930s Route 66 alignment: You can still see parts of the original Mother Road.  

Friendly Cafe and gas station: Another reminder of the bygone era of Route 66.  

A Town with an Identity Crisis

This little town had a bit of an identity crisis in its early days. Before settling’ on the name Texola, it went by a couple of other names. Here’s a table showing’ ya the different monikers this town had:

And get this – because it’s so close to the 100th meridian, the border between Texas and Oklahoma, the town was surveyed eight different times! Can you imagine? Some folks probably lived in both states without ever moving’!  

Despite its initial identity struggles, Texola experienced a period of growth and prosperity in its early years.

From Boom to Bust

Texola officially came to be in 1901, with Reuben H. Grimes as its first postmaster. The railroad came through in 1902, bringing’ with it a wave of growth and prosperity. By 1909, Texola was Booming with cotton gins, a gristmill, and all sorts of businesses. Folks were flocking’ to this little town, and by 1930, the population peaked at 581. During this time, Texola had it all: two cotton gins, a gristmill, a bank, several general stores, a hardware store, a meat market, a blacksmith shop, and a livery. Travelers could find accommodations at three hotels and grab a bite to eat at two restaurants. There was even a ten-acre park and an auditorium that could seat 300 people!  

But the good times didn’t last. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl hit hard in the 1930s, and folks started heading’ west lookin’ for better opportunities. This marked the beginning of Texola’s decline. The construction of I-40 in 1975, which bypassed the town completely, dealt a significant blow to the local economy and further accelerated the town’s decline. Route 66, once a source of prosperity for Texola, ultimately played a role in its downfall.  

Texola’s Geography and Climate

Texola sits at an elevation of 2,146 feet. This part of Oklahoma is pretty dry, with about 24 inches of rainfall per year. Summers are hot, but the nights cool down, makin’ it bearable. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 25°F. And because of its elevation, Texola gets more snow than places further east, averaging’ about 17 inches a year. Oh, and one more thing – Texola is located in “Tornado Alley,” so keep an eye on the sky!  

Preserving the Past

Even though Texola is a ghost town, there are folks working hard to preserve what’s left. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is dedicated to protecting and promoting the Mother Road, and that includes places like Texola. And the Tumbleweed Grill is doin’ its part by keeping the spirit of Route 66 alive.  

Wrap Up

Well, folks, that’s my take on Texola, Oklahoma. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, a place where you can almost hear the ghosts of the past whispering’ stories of Route 66. If you ever find yourself cruising’ down the Mother Road, be sure to make a stop in Texola. You won’t regret it. Texola stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Route 66 and the importance of preserving these fading chapters of American history.