Cities and Towns in Cottle County, Texas

by countryaah · Published November 11, 2022 · Updated December 7, 2024

Founded in 1876, Cottle County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Cottle County was formed from Fannin County. The city of Paducah is the county seat. With FIPS code of 101, Cottle County has a population of 1,381 and area of 901 square miles (2,334 km²).

List of all cities in Cottle County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Cee Vee, TX	79223	940
Chalk, TX	79248	806
Dumont, TX	79248	806
Paducah, TX	79248	806

Major Cities and Towns in Cottle County, Texas

Cottle County is a rural area located in the northern part of the Texas Panhandle, bordered by King County to the west and Floyd County to the south. It was established in 1876 and named after George Cottle, a Texas Ranger who was killed during the Mexican-American War. The county’s economy has historically been based on ranching, with the cattle industry playing a significant role in shaping the area’s culture and livelihood. In addition to agriculture, oil production and natural gas extraction have contributed to the local economy. Cottle County remains a small, close-knit community where residents enjoy the quiet life of rural Texas, with large stretches of open land and a few small towns.

Paducah

General Information

Area: 1.0 square miles
Population: Approximately 1,400 (2023 estimate)
Zip Code: 79248
Latitude/Longitude: 34.0941° N / 100.2893° W

City Location and History

Paducah is the county seat of Cottle County and is located in the northern Texas Panhandle, about 60 miles south of Amarillo and 80 miles west of Lubbock. The town was established in 1901 and became the county seat shortly thereafter, benefiting from its central location within the county. Originally a railroad town, Paducah thrived as a trade and supply center for nearby ranchers and farmers. It was named after the town of Paducah in Kentucky and became known for its agricultural roots, particularly cattle ranching, as well as the discovery of oil in the 1940s, which further boosted the local economy. While the oil boom didn’t last, Paducah remains a vibrant small town with strong ties to its farming and ranching heritage. Today, Paducah is a peaceful rural town with a close-knit community, and its history continues to shape its identity.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Paducah is served by the Paducah Independent School District, which includes Paducah High School and Paducah Junior High School. These schools offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, FFA (Future Farmers of America) programs, and other community-oriented clubs. Paducah High School’s sports teams, known as the Dragons, compete in various athletic events, with football and basketball being especially popular. The town’s landmarks include the Cottle County Courthouse, a beautiful historic building in the center of town that is the hub for county government. Other notable landmarks include the Paducah City Park, which features picnic areas, a playground, and a walking track, making it a popular spot for local families. Additionally, The Paducah Memorial Library is a key resource for the town’s residents, offering a variety of educational and community programs. The town also has access to ranching operations in the surrounding area, and visitors to Paducah can learn about traditional Texas Panhandle ranching and its significance to the local economy and culture.

General County Landmarks

Though Paducah is the primary town in Cottle County, the surrounding area offers several unique features. Ranching heritage is still a major part of life in the county, and visitors can experience the wide open spaces and vast ranch lands that define the region. The Cottle County Museum in Paducah showcases the history of the area, from its early settlement to the oil boom and the importance of cattle ranching in the local economy. For those interested in outdoor recreation, the Caprock Canyons State Park is nearby, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping opportunities. The Texas Plains Trail, which runs through the county, is a scenic route that allows visitors to experience the natural beauty and historical sites of the region.