Texico and Farwell: A Tale of Two Towns
The border between Texas and New Mexico holds a story of two towns, Texico and Farwell, that could not be more different. Established just a few years apart along the western side of the Panhandle, these towns were separated by a thin line, both geographically and socially. Texico, on the New Mexico side, was a wild boom town with a reputation for gambling halls, bars, and brothels built on untitled land known as “the unsurveyed strip.” In contrast, Farwell in Texas was a more conservative town, built on titled lands and exuded a sense of permanence and stability.
The lore of the time suggested that Farwell stole the town of Texico almost overnight, leading to a mass exodus of Texico citizens seeking a better life in Farwell. Eleanor Gates, a writer for Cosmopolitan magazine, vividly painted a picture of the stark differences between the two towns. Texico was described as a rootless world filled with unsavory characters and poor souls, while Farwell boasted well-built brick buildings, churches, schools, and a sense of promise for the future.
The lack of land titles in Texico made it vulnerable to being overtaken by the more structured and planned community of Farwell. As Texico dwindled in size, some residents of Farwell still crossed the border to relive the good times they once enjoyed in the wilder town. The contrast between the two towns was stark, with Farwell symbolizing progress and stability, while Texico represented a more chaotic and transient way of life.
Today, the legacy of Texico and Farwell lives on in the memories of those who witnessed the dramatic transformation of these two border towns. The story of how Farwell seemingly “stole” Texico serves as a reminder of the impact that land ownership and planning can have on the development and fate of a community. As we look back on the history of these two towns, we are reminded of the importance of stability, structure, and community planning in shaping the future of our cities and towns.