Petty was previously known as Lookout or Dowlin and had its first settlers in the late 1860s after the Civil War. The first name Lookout was named for its location on a small rise. After the Texas and Pacific Railway was built through the area in the mid-1880s, the town's name was changed to Dowlin, reportedly because passengers were frightened when conductors called out the name Lookout. Finally, this an unincorporated community in Lamar County, Texas has its name changed to honor a pioneer citizen, landowner J. M. Petty. The name was changed with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in the 1880s and in 1886, a post office was opened. It is situated at the junction of U.S. Highway 82 and Farm roads 137 and 1509 sixteen miles southwest of Paris in western Lamar County. An estimated population of 100 was reached in 2000. Also, the Chisum Independent School District serves area students.
Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business you'd like to add?
