Robert Lee, Texas
Playground of West Texas
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History of Robert Lee


This picture was taken in Robert Lee around 1909.  It's a postcard and it was mailed by Oscar Locke to his brother John. 
The postcard is postmarked Jan 25, 1909. Thanks to Steve and Jo Ann Moody for sending it to us.
 
  • Founded by R. E. Cartledge and his father-in-law, L. B. Harris
     
  • Named for Robert E. Lee.
     
  • Harris pushed to move the county seat from nearby Hayrick to Robert Lee  At the time Hayrick was much more
    developed than its neighbor
     
  • In 1891 Robert Lee won the county seat election, and most of the Hayrick population moved immediately to
    Robert Lee. In the same year the post office opened
     
  • 1892 Robert Lee had a population of 570, twenty businesses, including a bank and a weekly newspaper, the Coke County Rustler (later the Robert Lee Observer).
     
  • A rock courthouse was built in 1891 and replaced in 1956. The town was incorporated in 1929.

     
    The old county jail was built in 1907.
    –The trap door and noose are still in place. However, there was never an occasion for a hanging in Coke County.
    – In order to visit the jail, you can contact the County Library at 325-453-2495

     

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