EASTLAND, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - Eastland, Texas, may be a small town in the Big Country, but it’s packed with history, legends, and local lore. From its founding and colorful past to tales like Ol' Rip the horned lizard and the ghostly Screaming Sheila, Eastland offers a glimpse into Texas life, both real and legendary.

Founding

According to the Eastland Chamber of Commerce, Jacamiah S. Daugherty and Charles U. Connellee purchased land in 1975 and platted a townsite. Residents chose to move the county seat from Merriman to this site, now known as Eastland.

Namesake

Eastland was named after William Mosby Eastland, who fought in several battles contributing to the settlement of the Texas frontier. He also led companies as a Texas Ranger during the fight for Texas’s independence from Mexico

See Full Page