Kirtley, Texas

So I just noticed that there’s a ghost town in Texas named “Kirtley.” Here’s a photo:

And here’s a bit of local history: “The town, which is now divided into North Kirtley and South Kirtley (by Highway 71) is identified simply as Kirtley by one of those simple green signs. The town dates back to 1831 when it was owned by one William Barton. Part of Barton’s land was sold to William Primm by 1840 — and a community named Primm grew around the Barton Creek cemetery. The name is kept alive today by Pimm’s Lake — but many local residents are unaware that there had once been a town here.

Barton’s Creek, which is said to be named after Wayne Barton, veteran of San Jacinto, flows 11.5 miles from its source upward into Bastrop County and then returns to Fayette County to its mouth on the Colorado, 2.5 miles east of present-day Kirtley.

The lone store that had operated in Primm moved to the highway and the community became known as Kirtley (origin unknown). A post office had been in operation from 1902 through 1927. Due to the proximity to Smithville and La Grange, Kirtley was left in an economic limbo producing only sand and gravel — an operation which is still doing business alongside the railroad tracks. The extracted sand and gravel has removed whatever was left of Primm.”

In an odd coincidence, just like Kirtley, Texas, I too have been left in an economic limbo, except instead of producing only sand and gravel, I produce only short stories and podcasts. Spooky, huh?

Anyway, I was able to dig up a few more facts about the town on Wikipedia. This is really interesting: