Sherwood was established in 1886 when land was donated for a townsite in Irion County. A post office was authorized in 1881, making it one of the earliest institutions in the community. When Irion County was officially organized in 1889, Sherwood was designated as the county seat. This status quickly gave the town importance as a local center for government and trade.
By the turn of the 20th century, Sherwood had grown to a population of more than 300 residents. The community included homes, businesses, a school, churches, and public offices. The population at this time was the highest the town would ever reach.
The Courthouse
Construction of the Irion County Courthouse began in 1900 and was completed in 1901. Built of local stone, the courthouse was a symbol of the county’s civic identity. It served as the hub for county government and community life. The courthouse is one of the few surviving buildings from Sherwood’s peak years and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it stands as one of the best-preserved examples of early West Texas civic architecture.
Decline with the Railroad
Sherwood’s fortunes changed in 1910–1911, when the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway laid tracks through Irion County but bypassed Sherwood. Instead, the line favored the newly platted town of Mertzon, a few miles away. With rail access critical for commerce and shipping, businesses and residents gradually relocated to Mertzon. Sherwood’s growth stalled, while Mertzon expanded rapidly.
Loss of County Seat and Post Office
In 1936, Irion County voters approved moving the county seat from Sherwood to Mertzon, a decision that was finalized by 1939. This shift removed the town’s primary economic and political function. Sherwood’s post office, which had long served the area, remained in operation until 1974, when it was finally closed.
Population and Present Status
By the mid-20th century, Sherwood had dwindled to only a small population. In 1986, the community was recorded at 47 residents. By 1990, the number had risen to about 73, a figure that held steady into the 2000 census. Sherwood is no longer incorporated but remains recognized as a rural settlement.
Although it is often referred to as a “ghost town,” Sherwood still has a small population and retains a sense of local identity. The historic courthouse, surrounded by ranchland and the landscape of West Texas, continues to attract visitors interested in regional history.
Interesting Facts
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Sherwood was named after Sherwood, Tennessee, the hometown of an early settler.
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At its peak around 1900, the town had more than 300 residents, a school, churches, stores, and several civic buildings.
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The Irion County Courthouse (1901) is built of local sandstone and is one of the few surviving early 20th-century courthouses in West Texas.
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The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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Sherwood’s population declined sharply after 1910, when the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway bypassed the community.
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The county seat moved to Mertzon in 1936, confirmed in 1939 after a voter decision.
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The Sherwood post office closed in 1974, marking the town’s transition into near-ghost town status.
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By 2000, Sherwood had an estimated 73 residents, a number that reflects its continued small but persistent community presence.
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