In 1882, R.A. Ragland (1858-1938) came to Sweetwater as one of the town’s first
lawyers. He served as City
Commissioner, School Board member and County Attorney.
In
partnership with R.C. Crane, he set up a law office and abstract firm. In 1906, he had this house built for his
wife, Luella Maddox Ragland. This home was originally
the residence of the late Judge and
Mrs. R.A. Ragland and their four children. It was built in 1906 and sold after the death of Judge Ragland.
The Chapel
and brick addition to the front were built when the residence served as a
mortuary.
It served as Patterson
Funeral Home until the mid 1970’s,
when a grandson, Robert A. Ragland, of El Paso, TX, bought the property
and
gave it to the City and County in 1976. It became the City-County Pioneer Museum.
The Museum was identified as a Texas Historical Landmark in 1979 and has been a
member of the Permian Basin Museum Institute since 1986.
The museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
preservation of the history of this area. Service to the public
is carried on by a board of directors, a museum manager, a small
staff and a support organization, "Friends of the Museum".
The City-County Pioneer Museum is supported by the city, the county,
memorials and private contributions.
Open to the Public
Tuesday - Saturday 1-5 P.M.
Closed Holidays
You may contact the Museum at:
(325) 235-8547
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