Carson County

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. Carson County. Way out in the Panhandle, where the wind keeps the land honest and the sky goes on longer than a Sunday sermon.

This county was formed from Young and Bexar territories, created on August 21, 1876. Now, created is one thing. Organized is another.

Carson County sat with that creation for a good while before it got its act together and organized on June 29, 1888. Some things take time out here. The county carries the name of Samuel P.

Carson, 1798 to 1840, a statesman who served both the United States and the Republic of Texas. That is a man who operated at the highest levels of two different nations, and Carson County wears that name like a point of pride. As for what the land gives back, well, it gives back considerably.

Wheat rolling across those flat acres. Oil and gas pulled up from beneath them. The county seat is Panhandle, sitting right at the center of it all, holding the story together.

Carson County. Named for a statesman, built on two territories, and still producing.

What the marker says

Formed from Young and Bexar territories; created August 21, 1876, organized June 29, 1888. Named in honor of Samuel P. Carson 1798-1840, statesman of the United States and the Republic of Texas. Wheat, oil and gas contribute to its wealth. Panhandle, county seat.