Breckenridge Grew from a Small Town to a Boomtown Overnight

Breckenridge had about 1,500 people in January 1920. Within a year, that number had shot to around 30,000. The Handbook of Texas records that some 200 oil wells were drilled inside the city limits during peak activity. The town gained railroads, hotels, and dozens of businesses almost overnight. The county produced an outsized share of the nation's oil during those peak years.

The boom faded as quickly as it came. By 1930, the population had fallen to about 7,500. Today, Breckenridge is the county seat of Stephens County and remains a center for petroleum production and regional services. The county was originally called Buchanan County when formed in 1858 and was renamed for Confederate Vice President Alexander H. Stephens in 1861.