Exploring Eastland Texas

Right in between Fort Worth and Abilene is the small town of Eastland, TX. If you aren't paying attention, you'll drive right past Eastland without much notice, but there is much in the town that is worthy of at least a short stop.

Early days in Eastland saw an economy that was dependent upon cotton farming.  Along with the adjacent towns, Eastland reached its population boom in the early 1900s with the discovery of oil.  The population has been in decline since the peak in 1930, but this small town packs a mighty punch with an attraction for just about every interest.

Old Rip

Tall tales and Texas go hand in hand, but don't try to suggest that the legend of Old Rip is anything but substantiated fact in the town of Eastland.   In 1897, citizens of Eastland were beginning the construction of a new courthouse.  To commemorate the event, a ceremony was held to set the cornerstone of the new building.  Inside the cornerstone was placed a Bible and other mementos.    As a joke, the county clerk dropped an unsuspecting horned lizard (called a horny toad round these parts) into the block, as well.  Imagine the fit PETA would have over something like that today!  Thirty-one years later a new courthouse was constructed.   When the cornerstone was opened, the lizard was dried and covered with dust.  However, when he was lifted from his courthouse tomb, he took a deep breath and began to wiggle to life.   The lizard was named Old Rip after the legendary Rip Van Winkle, and enjoyed nationwide acclaim.  Traveling across the country he attracted large audiences and even met President Calvin Coolidge.  True story or tall tale?  Who knows.  You can ponder that as you gaze at the tiny Texas hero who is interred in a glass and velvet case at the courthouse.

Eastland County Law Enforcement Museum

Housed in the jail built in 1897, memorabilia and other artifacts of turn of the century law enforcement are displayed.  The jail and museum are historic for another Texas tale, this time involving a Santa Claus, an angry mob, and a rope.   Two days before Christmas in 1927, an ex-con  named Ratliff, dressed as Santa Claus sauntered into a nearby bank and pulled off a bloody bank heist.   A massive manhunt ensued ending with the Santa Claus robber being found and brought to the Eastland County Jail.  While awaiting execution, he was able to get a hold of a six shooter and fatally wound the beloved jailer.  Incensed by this act, the townspeople took matters into their own hands and hung Ratliff in the last public lynching in Texas.  Ratliff's cell, complete with his engravings in the wall and the rope that was used to hand him are on display.  Tours must be arranged with the adjoining sheriff's office and are knowledgably conducted by the Sheriff himself.

Stamp Mural

Composed of 11,217 stamps, this 6 x10 mural was created over seven years by the postmistress of Eastland.  A lover of art and patriotism, Marene Johnson-Johnson intricately placed each stamp to create a design that included Benjamin Franklin, Martha Washington, and Abraham Lincoln.  The mural is on permanent display at the city post office.

Eastland Outdoor Art Project

Through the dedication of a former Eastland high school teacher, an outdoor art exhibit featuring 43 famous art reproductions is the crowning glory of Eastland, TX.  Students, local artists, and even the mayor stepped up to work together to create reproductions that are displayed throughout the town on a variety of buildings.   Maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce or at the display box near the giant soup can in the Dairy Queen parking lot.   Using the map like a giant scavenger hunt is a great family friendly activity that you can do by car or foot and will give you a great tour of the city.