Cities and Towns in Gray County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Gray County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Gray County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Pampa is the county seat. With FIPS code of 179, Gray County has a population of 21,030 and area of 928 square miles (2,404 km²).
List of all cities in Gray County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alanreed, TX | 79002 | 806 |
| Lefors, TX | 79054 | 806 |
| McLean, TX | 79057 | 806 |
| Pampa, TX | 79065 | 806 |
| 79066 | 806 |
Major Cities and Towns in Gray County, Texas
1. Pampa, Texas
Location and History
Pampa, the county seat of Gray County, is located in the northern part of Texas, approximately 40 miles northeast of Amarillo. The city was founded in the early 20th century, primarily as a railroad town, and was named after the vast, treeless plains that are characteristic of the area, known as the “pampas” in Spanish. The discovery of oil in the 1920s significantly contributed to the town’s growth, as the oil boom attracted workers and investors to the area. Pampa quickly became a hub for the oil industry in the Texas Panhandle, and its population grew rapidly during this time. Over the decades, Pampa diversified its economy, with agriculture, particularly cotton farming, becoming a significant contributor. The city also serves as an important service and retail center for the surrounding rural areas. Today, Pampa is a regional center for education, healthcare, and industry in the Panhandle, maintaining a strong connection to its historical roots while adapting to modern economic changes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pampa is served by the Pampa Independent School District (ISD), which includes Pampa High School, Pampa Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its academic performance and robust extracurricular programs. Key landmarks in Pampa include the White Deer Land Museum, which showcases the town’s history, including its oil boom days and early settlement. The Pampa Texas Historical Museum is another important historical site, featuring exhibits on local history, from Native American tribes to the development of the town. The Harrington House, a Victorian-style home built in 1910, is also a notable local landmark. Pampa is also home to the Pampa Country Club, an established golf course, and the Pampa Aquatic Center, providing recreational options for residents and visitors alike.
City Details:
- Area: 7.0 square miles
- Population: 18,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79065
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.5344° N, 100.9671° W
2. Skellytown, Texas
Location and History
Skellytown is a small community located about 25 miles southeast of Pampa, in the southern part of Gray County. The town was founded in the late 1920s during the oil boom in the Texas Panhandle, and it was named after the Skelly Oil Company, which was a major player in the region’s oil industry. The discovery of oil in the area brought rapid growth to Skellytown, as workers and their families flocked to the town in search of employment. The town became a bustling oil hub, with a population that expanded during the early years of the oil boom. While the oil industry remained central to the town’s economy for several decades, Skellytown’s population has since stabilized, and it remains a small, rural community. Today, the town serves as a quiet residential area for those working in the surrounding agricultural and energy industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Skellytown is part of the Pampa Independent School District, with local children attending Pampa schools. Skellytown does not have its own school system or major commercial landmarks, but its proximity to Pampa allows residents to take advantage of the services and amenities in the larger city. One of the town’s main landmarks is the Skellytown Oil Field, a historical site that remains a reminder of the town’s oil heritage. Skellytown’s rural setting, with its surrounding farmland, provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. The small community has a tight-knit atmosphere, and many of the town’s residents are involved in agriculture and the oil industry.
City Details:
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 500+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79080
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.2331° N, 101.2019° W
3. McLean, Texas
Location and History
McLean is located in the eastern part of Gray County, approximately 40 miles south of Pampa along Interstate 27. The town was established in the early 1900s and was named after the McLean family, early settlers in the region. McLean grew rapidly in the 1920s when the nearby oil fields brought an economic boom to the area. The town became an important stop along the Texas Panhandle railroad, facilitating trade and travel. Like many towns in the Texas Panhandle, McLean’s growth was tied to agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and cotton farming. In the mid-20th century, McLean’s economy began to shift, and it slowly transitioned into a quieter residential community. The town is best known for its preserved historic buildings, which tell the story of the early 20th century and the oil boom that once fueled its prosperity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
McLean is served by the McLean Independent School District, which includes McLean High School. The district is known for its small-town values and strong sense of community. One of McLean’s key landmarks is the McLean Depot, a historic train station that has been preserved as a museum and serves as a reminder of the town’s early transportation and trade history. Another important site is the McLean Hotel, a historic building that once served as a popular stop for travelers in the region. The town is also home to the Route 66 Museum, which commemorates McLean’s role as a stop along the historic U.S. Route 66. This museum attracts many visitors who are interested in the history of the famed highway and its role in the development of small towns in the American West.
City Details:
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 700+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79057
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.1980° N, 100.5386° W
4. Glenrio, Texas
Location and History
Glenrio is an unincorporated community located at the western border of Gray County, near the New Mexico state line. The town was established in the early 20th century, and it grew rapidly during the 1920s, largely due to its position on U.S. Route 66. As a small railroad and highway town, Glenrio became a popular stop for travelers heading west. In the 1950s, however, the construction of Interstate 40 bypassed the town, leading to a decline in its population and commercial activity. By the 1970s, Glenrio had essentially become a ghost town, though some of its historic buildings remain. Despite its decline, Glenrio has maintained a sense of historical significance, with its old buildings and Route 66 heritage attracting tourists and Route 66 enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Glenrio is not served by its own school district. However, students in the area attend schools in nearby communities, such as McLean or Amarillo. The main landmarks in Glenrio include its old gas stations, motels, and other roadside structures that date back to the heyday of Route 66. The Glenrio Ghost Town, as it is often called, offers a glimpse into the past, with abandoned buildings and faded signs that tell the story of a once-bustling stop along the highway. The town’s historical significance as part of the Route 66 corridor makes it a popular stop for travelers interested in the nostalgia of the Mother Road.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: Fewer than 50 (mostly seasonal residents)
- Zip Codes: 79036
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.0272° N, 101.8452° W
5. Lela, Texas
Location and History
Lela is a very small, rural community located in the southeastern part of Gray County, approximately 25 miles southeast of Pampa. Lela was established as an agricultural community in the early 1900s and is primarily known for its farming and ranching activities. The town grew slowly over the decades, with agriculture forming the backbone of its economy. Though Lela has never been a large or booming town, it served as a local hub for the surrounding ranching and farming families. Over time, however, the population has decreased, and today, Lela is considered a ghost town, with only a few homes and businesses remaining. Its historical importance is tied to the agricultural development of the region and its role as a small rural community in the Texas Panhandle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lela is not served by its own school district, and students generally attend schools in nearby towns, such as Pampa or McLean. The town does not have any major landmarks or commercial centers. However, its rural character is evident in the surrounding farmland and open spaces, which remain largely unchanged over the years. Visitors to Lela can explore the vast Panhandle countryside, with its flat landscapes, cotton fields, and grazing cattle. Although it no longer has a substantial population, Lela’s historical significance lies in its role as part of the region’s agricultural heritage.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: Fewer than 50
- Zip Codes: 79057 (shared with McLean)
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.3012° N, 100.6253° W
