The Fascinating Tale About Lubbock

LUBBOCK, TX — The history of Lubbock is intertwined with a lesser-known, yet intriguing chapter involving its once-rival town, Monterey. This story, often overlooked, played a pivotal role in shaping the Lubbock we know today.

The saga began in the summer of 1890, a period marked by town developments and rivalries. W. A. Rayner, a notable cattleman and town promoter, who had previously established the town of Rayner in Stonewall County, set his sights on the South Plains for his next venture. By July 1890, Rayner, along with associates W. D. Crump, H. M. Bandy, and D. F. Goss, identified a promising location for a new town on the north side of Yellow House Canyon in Lubbock County.

However, Rayner's vision led him to the south side of the canyon, a decision that caused a split among the group. On August 6, 1890, Rayner founded Monterey, alternatively known as South Town or Ray Town, on the south side of the canyon. Meanwhile, the north side saw the emergence of the town of Lubbock, established by August 12, 1890, with the support of figures like Rollie Burns and Frank Wheelock.

A rivalry quickly ensued between the two towns, each vying to become the county seat. Contrary to humorous myths, no game of rock, paper, scissors decided their fate. Instead, a more diplomatic solution was reached in the winter of 1890. Representatives from both towns met and forged a compromise. On December 19, they agreed to merge, retaining the name Lubbock, selecting a new townsite, and moving buildings and houses to this new location.

At the time of the merger, Monterey boasted a population of 50 and had 32 buildings. The original site of Monterey was situated north of what is now the campus of Texas Tech University. One of the most notable feats of this merger was the relocation of the original Lubbock’s Nicolett Hotel. In an impressive feat of engineering for the time, the hotel was moved across the canyon on rollers to the new townsite, covering a distance of five miles, to what is now the southwest corner of Broadway and Buddy Holly Avenue.

This is a story that not only shaped the physical landscape of Lubbock but also its community and identity. The legacy of Monterey lives on, notably in the name of Lubbock Monterey High School, a nod to the brief but significant existence of Monterey, Texas.

The compromise happened on this day in 1890. That is 133 years ago! I give a nod to the Texas State Historical Association and Traces of Texas on X for the inspiration and content of this short history lesson.