Runnels City, sometimes referred to as Old Runnels, was established in 1880 when Runnels County was organized by the Texas legislature. The new community was chosen as the first county seat. At the time, it was centrally located and quickly became the focal point of civic life in the area.
By 1882, Runnels City had grown to around 250 residents. It included a courthouse, post office, several businesses, and residences. For a brief period, it looked poised to develop into a permanent and important center of government and commerce in West Texas.
The Railroad and the Rise of Ballinger
The fortunes of Runnels City shifted dramatically in the mid-1880s. In 1886, the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad extended its line into Runnels County. Instead of routing through Runnels City, the railroad chose a site several miles away.
The railroad company actively promoted development at this new location, which would become Ballinger. They offered free or low-cost building lots and encouraged businesses and residents to relocate. This opportunity, combined with the advantages of being on the rail line, proved too appealing for many settlers to resist.
Within a short time, many of Runnels City’s buildings, including houses and businesses, were either abandoned or physically moved to Ballinger.
Loss of the County Seat
As the population shifted, county officials followed suit. In 1887 (with some sources listing 1888), Ballinger was designated the new county seat of Runnels County. This decision sealed Runnels City’s fate. Almost overnight, the town lost its primary reason for existence.
By the late 1880s, Runnels City was largely deserted. Its brief period of civic importance had lasted less than a decade.
Decline and Ruins
Over the following decades, Runnels City slipped further into obscurity. By 1947, the site contained little more than a rock hut and the ruins of a two-story stone building that had once been part of the original town. These remnants stood as stark reminders of a settlement that had once held county prominence.
Historical Recognition
In 1936, during the Texas Centennial celebrations, the Texas Historical Commission placed a marker at the site. Located along FM 2887, about five miles north of Ballinger, the marker commemorates Runnels City as the first county seat of Runnels County.
The inscription notes:
“First county seat of Runnels County. Established in 1880 as Runnels City. Declined after removal of the county seat to Ballinger in 1888.”
Today, Runnels City is classified as a ghost town, remembered mainly through historical accounts and the roadside marker that preserves its story.
Key Facts About Runnels City
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Established: 1880, as the county seat of newly formed Runnels County.
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Population: About 250 by 1882, with courthouse, post office, businesses, and homes.
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Railroad Impact: Declined after the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad bypassed it in 1886, choosing Ballinger instead.
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County Seat: Transferred to Ballinger in 1887 (some records say 1888).
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Decline: Abandoned soon after; by 1947, only ruins remained.
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Historical Marker: A Texas Centennial marker, erected in 1936, stands on FM 2887 marking the original site.
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