TUSCOLA
Tuscola, located near the banks of Jim Ned Creek in South Taylor County, was named after the birth place of Dr. C. M. Cash - Tuscola, Ill., and has been a thriving farming and ranching community since April 6, 1899.
Tuscola became an important center of commerce and community activities for the Upper Jim Ned Valley when at that same time as the naming of the town, a new school was added to the post office, church, blacksmith shop, general store and a doctor's office.
In 1907, the Abilene and Southern railroad built a line to Ballinger that went through Jim Ned Valley just one-and-a-half miles from Old Tuscola. The Santa Fe railroad surveyed the valley for a new line and proposed building a new town at the juncture of their railroad and that of the Abilene and Southern. John B. Polson moved his store to the new Tuscola in 1910 and other businesses soon followed.
Today, Tuscola is home to the Jim Ned Independent School District, which is an excellent school system and five historic churches. Tuscola is the home of "The Farmer Stockman" magazine, with Editor J. T. Smith officing on Graham Street.
A new sewer project for Tuscola is now underway. The reliance on a septic system, instead of a sewer utility has been a long time coming. Upon completion, the project will mark a dramatic change in the city's economic development, with the residents anticipating new businesses opening their doors, including restaurants and fast food franchises in town.
Other going concerns on Graham Street, which is Tuscola's main street, include Around the Corner, From the Heart Florist, First State bank of Tuscola and Graham Street Antiques, a historic site in Tuscola.
The Jim Ned Volunteer Fire Department has been a valuable asset to the community for many years and can always use a few more dedicated volunteers.
On the first Saturday of the month, the city holds Tuscola Trade Days, a very popular event, which involves most of the town. The event starts at Graham Street Antiques.
Reprinted from reporternews.com July 3, 2005
Cradled in a hollow between two buttes that form the "Gap" in the Tonkawa Mountains, sets the village of Buffalo Gap. Over the millennia these landmarks served as beacons to the millions of bison that often used this breach in the landscape to migrate to and from their southern most grazing grounds.
Buffalo Gap was the first township in Taylor County and served as the county seat unti11883 when it was relocated to the fledgling town of Abilene.
Today the Buffalo Gap Historic Village offers a glimpse back to those bygone days as visitors can visit the courthouse and other restored 19th century buildings.
Buffalo Gap is home to many working artists, and restaurants. Gift shops and antique stores offer tourists a variety of shopping and dining venues. Three area campgrounds allow for a variety of activities such as camping, hiking and fishing. A number of benefits and community activities are held at the Taylor County Old Settlers Reunion Grounds each year.
City Hall, 325-572-3347