Carson County Square House Museum Complex (Full)

The purpose of the Carson County Square House Museum is to provide the highest possible level of museum experience through the collection, care, exhibition, interpretation, and demonstration of items that illustrate the history, natural history, and art of the Texas Panhandle.

ABOUT THE SQUARE HOUSE MUSEUM
The historic Square House, built of lumber that was hauled from Dodge City in the 1880's, is just one of 21 buildings, that make up the Square House Museum complex. Case exhibits and full-sized diorama tell the story of the Texas Panhandle and its people, from mammoth hunters 12,000 years ago, through the Indian Wars, cattle ranches, and the coming of the railroad in the 19th century, to the oil boom of the 1920's and the region's part in the space program of today. A wildlife gallery and two art galleries add other dimensions to the history. Accredited three times by the American Association of Museums, the Square House Museum is considered one of the best small museums in the United States.

MUSEUM HISTORY
The Carson County Square House Museum started with the original Square House. Square House is a small house which was built in the late 1880's as the railroad reached to town of Panhandle and as the town was being populated. It was occupied by early settler James C. Paul how was a pioneer banker. Next in line was Judge J.L. Harrison he was a rancher. Next was James B. Wilks how was an innkeeper. Last one was the Sheriff Oscar L. Thorp. The house was moved to its site at 5th and Elsie Streets in Panhandle, TX. After much needed restoration became the nucleus of the present Square House Museum complex with its multiple buildings. 1967 the museum was opened. In 1966 it was awarded a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark plaque. It was entered in the National Register in 1973. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums. This gem of the Texas Panhandle houses historical artifacts, art, and a Texana library. Traveling and in-house art exhibits are hung in the two art galleries.

Over 10,000 indoor and outdoor artifacts are on display. Sculpture is on display, as is art by local indigenous tribes. Other structures and exhibits include a train caboose, a windmill, a barn, a dugout shelter and art galleries, all focused on local history and current events

Table of Exhibit:
(1) Branding -
(2) Ranching -
(3) Moody Wildlife Exhibit Hall -
(4) Freedom Hall -
(5) Square House -
(6) Dugout -
(7) caboose -
(8) Commerce Exhibit -
(9) Eclipse Windmill -
(11) Conway Community Church -
(12) Paddy Wagon -