Porterville, Texas: A Once-Promising Desert Settlement with a Fading Story

Porterville was founded in 1905 by Dr. Phil Porter, a physician originally from Michigan. Porter believed the dry desert climate of West Texas had health benefits and encouraged others to join him in building an agricultural colony.

The settlement was first known as Juanita, but when the townsite was officially platted in 1908, it was renamed Porterville in honor of its founder. A post office opened in 1909 under the name Juanita, and the name was officially changed to Porterville on February 21, 1910.

Community and Development

During its short period of growth, Porterville developed several businesses and services that made it a small but functioning town. Records note that it had:

• A hotel

• A blacksmith shop

• A doctor’s office

• A post office

• Several general stores

In 1909, a community building was constructed. This structure served multiple purposes, functioning as a church, school, and meeting hall, and quickly became the center of community life.

Challenges With Water

Porterville’s survival depended on ambitious irrigation projects tied to the Pecos River. Unfortunately, the river’s water flow proved too inconsistent to sustain the farming colony. By 1913, many of the settlers were already abandoning their farms, with some turning to ranching instead.

In the 1920s, the situation worsened. The Pecos River water became increasingly salty, and reduced flows made irrigation unreliable. Without a dependable water supply, the town’s agricultural foundation collapsed.

Decline and Abandonment

As water problems grew, Porterville’s population dwindled. The final blow came in 1931, when the community building (used as a school and church) was moved to Mentone, the newly re-established county seat of Loving County. This building continued to serve as Mentone’s only school until 1935.

The rise of Mentone as the county’s hub coincided with oil discoveries in Loving County in the early 1930s, which attracted any remaining residents away from Porterville. By the mid-20th century, Porterville was completely abandoned.

Legacy

Today, Porterville is a ghost town. No visible structures remain at the site, and almost nothing marks its existence except historical references. The community building moved to Mentone in 1931 is remembered as the last standing piece of Porterville’s short-lived history.

Interesting Facts

• Name Origin: Originally named Juanita, the settlement was renamed Porterville in 1908 after its founder, Dr. Phil Porter.

• Healthcare Vision: Dr. Porter promoted the settlement because he believed the desert climate had restorative qualities.

• Final Building: The community’s church-school, built in 1909, was relocated to Mentone in 1931, ending Porterville’s existence as an active town.