Nogal, Texas: A Quiet Ghost Town in Ochiltree County with a Post Office Past

Texas, Ochiltree County,

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Nogal is a ghost town in the far southeastern corner of Ochiltree County, Texas, close to the Lipscomb County line. It is located along FM 281, a few miles west of the community of Follett. Although once home to a small rural population, Nogal has not functioned as an active town for decades.

Early Community Features

Nogal supported several basic institutions that served area farmers and ranchers:

  • Post Office (1920–1944): A post office opened in 1920, marking the establishment of Nogal as a recognized community. It remained in operation until 1944, when mail service was discontinued.

  • School: Nogal had a school associated with District No. 1 in Ochiltree County. This school provided local children with primary education, though records about its closure are not detailed in widely available sources.

  • General Store: The town also had a general store that served as a gathering place and supplied residents with goods.

Together, these institutions provided the foundation of community life in a sparsely settled agricultural region.

Decline

As population patterns shifted and rural services became consolidated, Nogal’s institutions gradually disappeared. The closure of the post office in 1944 marked the town’s decline, and over time its school and store also ceased operation. By the mid-20th century, Nogal no longer functioned as an active settlement.

Present Condition

Today, Nogal is listed as a ghost town. The most visible remnant is the concrete steps of the former general store on the south side of FM 281. Aside from this foundation, the surrounding area contains ranch buildings and open land, with little evidence of the community that once stood there.

Quick Facts about Nogal

  • Location: Southeastern Ochiltree County, Texas, near the Lipscomb County line, along FM 281

  • Post Office: Operated from 1920 until 1944

  • School: Part of District No. 1, details of closure not well documented

  • Remaining Structure: Concrete steps of the old general store

Photos:

Nogal 768x570

Map:

Category: Ghost Towns
Address: Nogal, Ochiltree County, Texas
Ochiltree County
Texas
United States
Park Name: Nogal
Owner: private ranchland
Pets Allowed:

  • Leashed pets are allowed along FM 281.

  • Any private land access requires permission from landowners prior to entry.

Activities:

  • Ghost‑town exploration: drive along FM 281 and spot the old concrete steps marking the general store site.

  • Photography: document the quiet ranch landscape and relic foundations.

  • Historical reflection: imagine the community life centered around the post office and school.

  • Rural drive: enjoy the southwestern Oklahoma–Texas Panhandle plains.

Amenities:

  • None onsite: no restrooms, visitor markers, or interpretive signs.

  • Nearest services are in Pampa (~40 mi south) or Lipscomb (~20 mi northeast): fuel, groceries, lodging.