Three railroads transformed Parker County in the late 1800s

Before the railroads, Parker County's economy ran on cattle drives and local farming. The Texas and Pacific Railway reached Weatherford in 1880. That opened new markets for crops and livestock. The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe arrived in 1887 and made Weatherford its northern terminus. The local Weatherford, Mineral Wells and Northwestern line finished its run through the county by 1891.

Three rail lines in about twelve years brought merchants, banks, schools, and a college to Weatherford. By the mid-1890s the city had about 5,000 residents and 100 businesses. That rail-era growth built the foundation for the community that still exists today.