Frankel City

In 1941 the Fullerton Oil Company of California struck oil near this site, and by 1945 more than 100 drilling rigs were in operation. The discovery brought great numbers of workers into the area, resulting in the establishment of the town of Fullerton. Located approximately one mile north, Fullerton provided newcomers with two churches, two cafes, two filling stations, a grocery store, delicatessen, beauty shop, and Andrews telephone exchange. Buses transported children to and from school in Andrews (16 miles SE). By the end of World War II, the boom town also boasted supply stores, oil field service companies, welding shops, and an electric plant. Fullerton's name was changed to Frankel City when the U.S. post office was established in 1948. At one time the post office served as many as 500 area families. By 1976, however, most of the oil had been taken from the ground, and workers in the field were laid off or transferred to other jobs. The town was abandoned as the post office and other businesses closed. The old Prairie Schooner Cafe, moved to this site from its original location, is all that is left of Frankel City. The ghost town, however, remains an important part of West Texas history. (1984)

Frankel City is a historical marker in Frankel City, Andrews County, dedicated in 1984. It is one of 13 historical markers documented in Andrews County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 15 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.3580, -102.7741 near Frankel City. The nearest cataloged historic site is Andrews County (historical marker), about 2.0 miles away. Others within a short drive include Irwin Ranch House, Shafter Lake Townsite, and Andrews County Discovery Well.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5003002051. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.