Editing Buffalo Gap, Texas (section)

==History==
Buffalo Gap’s roots trace back to the early 1870s, when Buffalo Soldiers arrived to hunt the bison herds migrating from Montana into Texas. The natural gap in the Callahan Divide provided an ideal passage for these herds, giving the town its name and early identity.

According to some sources, Buffalo Gap was founded in 1875—a date proudly displayed on the City Hall reader board. By 1877, the town had grown enough to establish its own post office, with the population reaching 400 by the following year. The town’s significance was further recognized when Governor Richard Hubbard declared Buffalo Gap the official county seat of Taylor County on July 3, 1878.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

As Buffalo Gap developed, new businesses and institutions emerged, including the construction of a courthouse, hotel, blacksmith shop, general store, newspaper, saloons, stables, and banks. In 1885, Buffalo Gap College opened, marking the town as a thriving center of education and commerce.

However, in 1881, the arrival of the Texas & Pacific railway brought a significant shift. The railroad bypassed Buffalo Gap in favor of the flatter terrain in Abilene, leading to a change in growth and prosperity. While Abilene rapidly expanded, Buffalo Gap’s growth slowed. Despite this, the town’s residents remained deeply connected to their community.

In the 1920s, the Old Settlers Picnic was established, becoming a cherished tradition that is still celebrated today at the Old Settlers Grounds—a site used for community events and the town’s monthly flea market.
[[File:Gap tourist 07A370~1 (2).JPG|thumb|left|Buffalo Gap Historic Village, July 2008]]

In 1956, local resident Ernie Wilson purchased the original Taylor County Courthouse and founded the Museum of the Old West, now known as the [[Buffalo Gap Historic Village]]. This historical gem preserves the legacy of Buffalo Gap, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the Old West.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

In the 1980s, Buffalo Gap made history with its unique Volunteer Fire Department, composed almost entirely of women, with the exception of Fire Chief and Mayor Glenn Johnson. This all-female department exemplified the town’s spirit, dedication, and community involvement.

The town was noted in the 1960s and 1970s for its restaurants and the fact that it was one of two "wet" spots in Taylor County where alcoholic beverages could be sold. Deutschlander Freshwater Catfish Company and the Bar B&nbsp;Q Barn still operate today.

The Shades of Hope Treatment Center in Buffalo Gap specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, and has been featured on [[The Oprah Winfrey Show]].<ref>{{cite web | last = Davis | first = Molly | title = Redlands Woman Battles Addiction on TV | work = San Jose Mercury News | date = April 4, 2011 | url = http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_17771642}}</ref>{{clear left}}