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Texas Attractions / Landmarks / Places > Panhandle Email This Bookmark Print
The Carson County Square House Museum, or simply Square House Museum, is a historic attraction which started with a small white square house that later grew to become a complex for both locals and visitors alike to enjoy. The museum houses a myriad of items illustrating the history and art of the Texas Panhandle. The complex is made up of 21 buildings, outdoor dioramas, galleries, a Texana library and large outdoor artifacts.

Opened in 1967, its various exhibits and full-sized dioramas recount the history of the place and people from way back 12,000 years ago during the time of the mammoth hunters, through the Indian wars, cattle ranches, the beginning of the railroad system in the 19th century, to the 1920's oil boom. The Square House Museum also provides exhibits and details of the region's role in today's space program.

What started as a small house built in the late 1880's during the time the railroad reached the town of Panhandle is now comprised of multiple structures including the Conway community church, a reconstructed pioneer dugout, Santa Fe caboose, a windmill and a ranch. The small house today is considered to be the oldest building of the city. It was occupied by a number of early settlers namely, James C. Paul, pioneer banker; Judge J.L. Harrison, rancher; James B. Wilks, innkeeper; and Sheriff Oscar L. Thorp. The house was later moved to its present site and underwent major restoration and was made the nucleus of the present museum complex.

Also featured in the museum for everyone to enjoy is a wildlife gallery as well as two art galleries, giving dimensions to the history. The Carson County Square House Museum is accredited three times by the American Association of Museums and is considered to be one of the country's best small museums.
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