Ochiltree was founded in 1885 in what is now Ochiltree County, in the far northern Texas Panhandle. The town was named after William Beck Ochiltree, a lawyer, judge, and statesman who served the Republic of Texas and later the Confederacy. When Ochiltree County was organized in 1889, the community became the first county seat.
Location
The townsite was established about nine miles south of present-day Perryton, near what is now Highway 70. At the time, it served as the administrative and commercial hub for the sparsely settled county.
Growth and Community Life
By the early 20th century, Ochiltree had developed into a small but active town. In 1915, it had a population of about 500 residents. The town supported:
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A bank
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A school
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Two or three churches
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Two newspapers, the Eagle Investigator and the Ochiltree News
Cultural and recreational life was lively for a rural Panhandle community. Sources note the presence of a community orchestra, chautauquas (traveling cultural and educational shows), as well as movies and even automobile races, which drew residents together for entertainment and civic pride.
The Railroad Bypass
The turning point for Ochiltree came in 1919, when the Panhandle and Santa Fe Railway (sometimes referred to as the North Texas and Santa Fe Railway) built a line through the county. Crucially, the railroad did not pass through Ochiltree, but instead crossed several miles to the north.
A new town, Perryton, was established on the rail line that same year. It quickly grew as settlers and businesses realized the economic advantages of proximity to the railroad. The county seat was relocated to Perryton, signaling the beginning of Ochiltree’s decline.
Relocation of the Town
Many residents of Ochiltree physically moved their homes and businesses to Perryton. Contemporary accounts describe the use of steam-powered tractors to haul entire wooden buildings across the prairie. This large-scale migration was unusual but not unheard of in the Panhandle, where towns often rose or fell depending on railroad routes.
Decline and Disappearance
After losing the county seat, Ochiltree’s institutions closed one by one. The post office was discontinued in September 1921, and the community rapidly faded. By the early 1920s, Ochiltree had effectively disappeared as an active town. Today, only faint traces remain of its location, making it one of many Texas Panhandle towns that vanished when bypassed by the railroad.
Key Facts about Ochiltree
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Founded: 1885
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Named for: William Beck Ochiltree, Republic of Texas official and Confederate statesman
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County Seat: 1889–1919
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Population at Peak: About 500 (1915)
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Amenities: Bank, school, churches, two newspapers, community orchestra, chautauquas, movies, auto races
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Railroad Impact: Bypassed in 1919 by the Panhandle and Santa Fe Railway
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Post Office Closure: September 1921
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Current Status: Ghost town, no longer existing
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