Seminole, Gaines County
Earliest known human habitation in Gaines county. This small, unique grove of Hackberry trees has survived in this arid land because of sub-irrigation provided by a very shallow draw. First officially reported by Col. W. R. ("Pecos Bill") Shafter, 24th Infantry, during his scouting of the north and western plains area in 1875. In this draw, Col. Shafter and his men found some 50 wells, 4 to 15 feet deep. Surrounding one well in the grove were evidences of use by roving bands of Indians as a seasonal campsite. a Fourth of July gathering settlers in this grove in 1905 planned local organizations of Gaines County, which had been created in 1876. In election of October 24, 1905, the first officers were selected and Seminole was named the county seat. Hackberry Grove and the shallow water well which is located here served Gaines contains as an area for recreation and outdoor meetings until the early 1940's, when the discovery of oil and installation of a pump station caused the grove to be closed to the public.