Sunnyside, Texas: History of a Forgotten Ghost Town in Menard County

Sunnyside was a small rural settlement in Menard County, Texas, located on the rolling terrain of the Edwards Plateau. It emerged during the late 1800s and early 1900s as a community tied closely to local farming and ranching activity. Today, Sunnyside no longer functions as a community and is recognized as a ghost town.

Early Settlement and Development

The community was established to serve agricultural families in the region, especially those connected to the Gus Noyes farm about a mile east of the site. Like many small Texas settlements, Sunnyside developed modest institutions that anchored daily life.

• School: The Sunnyside School, also known locally as the Noyes School, was built to serve children from nearby farms.

• Commerce: A small general store and a gin once operated in the community, offering basic supplies and services.

• Population: Sunnyside never grew large, functioning primarily as a support hub for scattered farmsteads rather than as a central town.

Decline

Sunnyside followed the broader trend of decline experienced by many small agricultural communities in Texas during the 20th century. Several factors contributed:

• The decline of small-scale farming as larger operations absorbed family farms.

• Population movement toward more developed centers like the town of Menard.

• The closing of rural schools and businesses as local demand dwindled.

By the mid-20th century, the community had effectively disappeared as a populated settlement.

Present Status

Today, Sunnyside is considered a ghost town. While the Handbook of Texas and the Texas Almanac both acknowledge its existence, there are no remaining institutions or signs of an active community. Physical remnants, if any survive, are undocumented in official records. Sunnyside’s legacy is preserved mainly in historical references rather than in visible structures.

Historical Significance

Sunnyside’s story reflects the pattern of many rural Texas settlements that rose during the late 19th century but faded as economic and demographic changes reshaped the landscape. Its recognition as a ghost town underscores the agricultural roots of Menard County and the challenges faced by small, isolated communities.

Within Menard County, only two settlements are widely recognized as ghost towns—Sunnyside and Fort McKavett. This highlights the county’s sparse population and long-standing reliance on ranching and farming rather than on permanent town development.