History
Sherman County, named for General Sidney Sherman, hero of the battle of San Jacinto, was originally surveyed in 1874. After several disputes with Oklahoma, another survey was made and Coldwater, located in the center of the county, was designated as the county seat in 1889. A small rock courthouse was constructed at this time.

The Rock Island Railroad stretched across the northern region of Sherman County by 1901. A townsite and a a new county seat were proposed to take advantage of the railroad location. The settlement was called Stratford after the birthplace of General Robert E. Lee. Opposition to the moving the county seat was so strong, county officials moved the records in the middle of the might. Court was held in a a tent in Stratford after midnight to make the move official. Bitterness between the factions was so intense that Governor Sayer ordered Texas Rangers in to keep the peace. The Rangers rode the train to Twist Junction, but didn't find Stratford until the District Court had settled the dispute and guns were put aside.

The coming of the railroad brought about many changes other than the moving of the county seat. Coldwater became a ghost town with nothing but the tiny cemetery remaining today. Land companies began bringing prospective buyers from the east to the fertile plains with its lush grass and plentiful rainfall. Farmers with their teams of horses and plows began to break up the sod thus bringing an end to the era of the large cattle ranches.

More changes came with the depression and the dust storms of the early 30's. Many people left, but those determined to see it through were rewarded for their efforts. The prairies would bloom again, as the 40' brought bumper wheat crops, fat cattle, and high prices. Natural gas and oil was discovered bringing a new dimension and more dollars to the county. With the availability of natural gas for fuel, deep-well irrigation began in the 50's. The abundance of feed grains being grown in the area supplied a booming cattle feeding business. The population grew during the 60's and 70's as irrigation and cattle feeding prospered.

Dust Storm Approaching Stratford, 1935

Other industries are moving into the county. The advent of the Telecommunications Era has made it possible for people to live in a small, rural town where crime is almost non-existent and work in regions all over the country. Sherman County welcomes the changes and challenges that must invariably come, with enthusiasm. Stop and visit with us for a while. We would be glad to have you.