Cities and Towns in Borden County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Borden County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Borden County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Gail is the county seat. With FIPS code of 33, Borden County has a population of 617 and area of 899 square miles (2,328 km²).
List of all cities in Borden County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Gail, TX | 79738 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Borden County, Texas
Gail
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 500+
- Zip Codes: 79738
- Latitude: 32.9450° N
- Longitude: 101.7731° W
Location and History:
Gail is the county seat of Borden County, located in the west-central part of the Texas Panhandle. The town was founded in the late 1800s as settlers moved into the area, attracted by the availability of land and resources for farming and ranching. The community was named after Gail Borden Jr., the inventor of condensed milk, who played an instrumental role in the development of Texas during the 19th century. Gail developed quickly in the early 20th century, with the arrival of the railroad boosting its economy and population. The town became an important center for agricultural trade, primarily in cotton and cattle. As is common in many small towns in Texas, the Great Depression and changes in farming and ranching techniques led to a decline in population and commercial activity. Today, Gail remains a small, rural community with a strong connection to its agricultural roots. Despite its small size, it serves as the cultural and administrative center of Borden County.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Gail is served by the Gail Independent School District, with Gail High School being the primary educational institution in the area. The school provides education from kindergarten through high school. One of the town’s main landmarks is the Borden County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as a hub for the county’s legal and administrative functions. The Borden County Historical Museum also stands as a testament to the area’s rich past, offering exhibits on local history, including the early settlement of the area and the ranching culture that shaped it. Gail’s rural character, combined with its historical significance, makes it a quiet yet important part of the Texas Panhandle. Its proximity to larger towns such as Lubbock makes it a strategic location for people looking for a slower pace of life while still having access to modern amenities and services.
Sand Springs
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 150+
- Zip Codes: 79778
- Latitude: 32.9111° N
- Longitude: 101.5520° W
Location and History:
Sand Springs is a very small town located to the southeast of Gail in Borden County. It was established in the early 1900s, likely due to the need for a trading post and community center for local ranchers and farmers. Its name is derived from natural springs found in the area, which provided fresh water to early settlers. The town was part of the larger boom in ranching and agriculture in the region but never grew as large as other towns in the area. Sand Springs is situated in a relatively isolated part of west Texas, making it a quiet rural community. Over the decades, the town’s population has remained small, with most residents engaged in farming, ranching, or other agricultural industries. The town’s quiet nature and small population make it a peaceful place, though its isolation means it has not experienced the growth seen in nearby cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Sand Springs is part of the Borden County Independent School District, and local children typically attend school in Gail, the county seat. There are no major educational institutions in Sand Springs itself, as the town is predominantly rural with limited commercial infrastructure. The Sand Springs Community Center is one of the few gathering places for residents, hosting events such as local meetings and social gatherings. There are no large, prominent landmarks in Sand Springs, but the town is situated near natural attractions, including some of the region’s unique landscape features like the Mescalero Ridge, which offers hiking and outdoor exploration opportunities. The town remains a quiet outpost in Borden County, offering a peaceful lifestyle to those who live there and providing a glimpse into the region’s rural past.
Loraine (Partially in Borden County)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.1 square miles (Partially in Borden County)
- Population: 500+
- Zip Codes: 79532
- Latitude: 32.8997° N
- Longitude: 101.7345° W
Location and History:
Loraine, though primarily located in neighboring Mitchell County, extends slightly into Borden County. Situated in west-central Texas, Loraine was founded in the early 1900s and quickly became a hub for the local agricultural industry, particularly cotton and livestock. Like many small Texas towns, its growth was influenced by the arrival of the railroad, which allowed goods to be easily shipped from Loraine to larger cities. The town’s population peaked in the early 20th century but declined as farming practices changed and larger, more urban areas began to offer better opportunities. Despite its small size, Loraine remains an important part of the local economy, with agriculture continuing to be a key part of its identity. The town has a strong sense of community, with residents working together to maintain its agricultural roots while adapting to the challenges of rural living.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Loraine is served by the Loraine Independent School District, and its educational offerings include Loraine High School and a few other elementary and middle schools. While Loraine’s population is small, the school is an important institution, often serving as the center of the town’s social life. Major landmarks in the area include the Loraine Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on the town’s agricultural history and its role in the development of west Texas. The Loraine Rodeo Grounds hosts annual events, including rodeos and festivals, reflecting the town’s deep connection to the cowboy and ranching culture. Another landmark is the Loraine Water Tower, which stands as a symbol of the town’s enduring spirit. The community is also home to several local churches and businesses that provide essential services for residents. Loraine’s rural charm, small-town feel, and agricultural heritage make it a unique part of Borden County, even if it only extends partially into the region.
