The Lost Finlay, Texas

"Post office, Finlay, Texas" 1937, Dorothea Lange

"The postmaster's seat, Finlay, Texas" Dorothea Lange

A railroad stop west of Sierra Blanca in Hudspeth County, Finlay was photographed in 1937 by Dorothea Lange for the U.S. Farm Security Administration. 

No longer a stop, Finlay may be considered one of those "lost" places in the region.  On the Southern Pacific line, Finlay's reason for existing is explained by Larry Francell, of Fort Davis, retired Director of the Museum of the Big Bend,  "Steam locomotives consumed vast amounts of fuel (coal primarily) and water.  Regular water stops were required, with the distances determined by natural sources or locations where wells could established." 

Thanks to Larry Francell and to Texas Mountain Trail board member, Travis Roberts for their help with this entry!Photo Credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, [ LC-USF34-016741-E ] and Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, [LC-USF34-016740-E]