Archer City, Texas
– Legends, Literature, and Lone Stars.
Archer City may be a small town in North Texas, but its influence extends far beyond its borders. Known for its ties to infamous outlaws, classic American literature, and a movie that defined a generation, Archer City offers a unique blend of history and culture that few small towns can match. Founded in the late 19th century and named after a prominent figure in Texas history, the town continues to preserve its past while finding ways to stay relevant in the present day.
The Origins of Archer City: From Frontier Outpost to County Seat
Archer City was founded in 1876 as the county seat of Archer County, which had been established that same year. The town’s name honors Branch Tanner Archer, a physician and politician who played a key role in the early days of the Republic of Texas. Archer was one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and his contributions to the state’s formation are recognized in various places throughout Texas.
The early years of Archer City were marked by the typical challenges faced by frontier communities—harsh conditions, frequent skirmishes with Native American tribes, and a slow influx of settlers. Despite these difficulties, the town grew steadily, thanks in part to its role as the county seat. Archer City’s courthouse, built in 1891, became a focal point of the community and remains an architectural landmark today. The courthouse, with its classical revival style, stands as a reminder of Archer City’s long-standing importance in the region.
Outlaw Legends: Jesse James’ Hideout
Archer City also has ties to one of America’s most notorious outlaws, Jesse James. Local lore claims that Jesse James used the town as a hideout during his time on the run in the late 1800s. He would stay with Allen H Parmer, his confederate comrade in the Civil War and husband of his sister Susan. With its remote location and sparse population, Archer City was an ideal place to lay low. While it’s difficult to verify every detail of these stories, there is an historical marker in town, further adding to Archer City’s mystique.
The Royal Theatre and The Last Picture Show
If there’s one thing that has put Archer City on the map in recent years, it’s the connection to Larry McMurtry, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and one of Texas’s most celebrated writers. Born and raised in Archer City, McMurtry immortalized the town in his semi-autobiographical novel The Last Picture Show, published in 1966. The novel tells the story of life in a small, declining Texas town in the 1950s, and many of the characters and settings are based on McMurtry’s experiences growing up in Archer City.
The book was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 1971, directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Cybill Shepherd and Jeff Bridges. Much of the movie was filmed on location in Archer City, including scenes at the town’s iconic Royal Theatre. Though the original theatre burned down in the 1960s, it was rebuilt and still partly stands today as a symbol of Archer City’s connection to Hollywood and American literature.
The Last Picture Show not only put Archer City in the spotlight but also served as a cultural touchstone, representing the decline of small-town life in post-war America. The Royal Theatre continues to operate today, hosting performances and screenings, and remains a beloved fixture in the community.
Larry McMurtry and Booked Up
McMurtry’s influence on Archer City didn’t end with The Last Picture Show. In the 1980s, the author opened Booked Up, a massive bookstore that, at its height, occupied several buildings in the town and held over 400,000 books. McMurtry’s vision was to turn Archer City into a literary destination, and while the scale of the project has been reduced over the years, Booked Up remains a beloved institution. Book lovers from across the country make pilgrimages to the store, drawn by the chance to explore one of the largest collections of used and rare books in Texas.
Present-Day Archer City: A Town That Endures
Today, Archer City retains much of the quiet charm that defined it in Larry McMurtry’s novels. With a population of just under 1,800 people, it remains a small town, but one with an outsized influence. Visitors to the town can explore its historical landmarks, including the Archer County Courthouse and the Royal Theatre, while also enjoying the slower pace of life that small towns offer.
The town continues to celebrate its literary heritage with events and festivals centered around McMurtry’s work, and Booked Up still draws visitors from all over. Archer City also plays host to local rodeos and fairs, offering a taste of classic Texas culture.
Conclusion
Though Archer City may not be the bustling frontier town it once was, its legacy lives on through its history, its literary connections, and its enduring small-town spirit.
Whether you’re a fan of Larry McMurtry’s work, a history buff interested in tales of outlaws, or simply someone who appreciates the quiet beauty of a Texas town, Archer City offers something unique. Its courthouse, theatre, and ties to American legends make it a place where the past isn’t just remembered—it’s still very much alive.
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