Farewell, Texas: The Panhandle Railroad Stop That Became Perico

Farewell, Texas, later renamed Perico, is a ghost town in Dallam County, located in the Texas Panhandle near the New Mexico border. The community began as a railroad siding along the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway in the late 19th century.

Early History

The site was originally known as Farewell, established around 1888 when the Rock Island line pushed through the Panhandle. It served as a small stop that supported area farmers and ranchers. In 1905, the town’s name was officially changed to Perico by the railroad.

Community and Economy

Perico (Farewell) was primarily an agricultural settlement. The town included a grain elevator and provided basic services for nearby residents working in farming and ranching. Like many Panhandle towns, its fortunes were tied closely to agriculture and the railroad.

Decline

By the mid-20th century, Perico began to fade as a functioning community. Improved transportation reduced the need for small local stops, and economic changes in agriculture contributed to depopulation. Businesses closed, and residents moved away in search of opportunities elsewhere.

Present Day

Today, very little remains of Perico. Travelers along U.S. Highway 87, north of Dalhart, can see remnants such as a grain elevator and a mobile home across the highway. The site is listed on ghost town registries, including GhostTowns.com and Wikipedia’s List of ghost towns in Texas.

Historical Significance

Perico’s story is typical of many Texas Panhandle communities that grew with the railroads but declined once the agricultural economy shifted and transportation changed. Though nearly abandoned, it stands as a reminder of the region’s settlement history and the challenges faced by small farming towns in the 20th century.

Facts:

• Located in Dallam County, Texas

• Originally named Farewell (~1888), renamed Perico in 1905 (railroad decision)

• Associated with the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway

• Economy based on farming, ranching, and grain storage

• Declined by mid-20th century; few structures remain (grain elevator, mobile home)

• Recognized in ghost town listings (GhostTowns.com, Wikipedia)