Downtown Merkel Texas in 1900 in front of the Palace Cafe. Once known as Windmill Town, Merkel came into existence with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. It was properly named after early settler S. M. Merkel in 1881. The towns first store opened in 1882 and a post office opened in June of 1883. By 1885 there were 25 people calling Merkel home but fifteen years later, when this photo was taken, the population had grown to 400.
 

West Texas History & Memories (Face Book Group)

Early Life in Texas County by County

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These Deceased Residents of Abilene, Tuscola, Tye, Buffalo Gap, Lawn, Merkel and Trent Left a total $646,854 in Unclaimed Money for their heirs. Please share this with your Family and Friends from Taylor County to let them know how to collect it from the Texas Comptroller's Office . . . see the list

Taylor County Treasures