Archer City, TX

Archer City is a small town located in Williamson County, Texas. The population was 9,814 as of the 2010 census. Archer City is home to the world's largest collection of vintage cars and motorcycles. The town was founded in 1881 by J.D. "Jed" Curry and his brother-in-law, A.C. "Cap" Hatfield, who built a trading post on the banks of the Brazos River near present day I-35 and FM 1774 (formerly US 183). The town was originally called Curryville after Jed Curry's business partner, A.C Hatfield who had settled in Texas from Kentucky with $40 in his pocket and a dream to start his own business. Jed Curry named the settlement after himself and his brother-in-law Cap Hatfield bought 640 acres (2 km²) for $1,200 from Stephen F Austin on July 4th 1881

The first buildings were constructed of logs and cottonwood trees that grew along the banks of the Brazos River; these early settlers hauled their goods by wagon over rough trails to sell at Curryville Trading Post which became one of Central Texas' most important commercial centers during its early years

In 1886 Jed Curry built a two story frame store on Main Street which served as both a general store and post office; this building still stands today as part of an antique mall

In 1889 Jed Curry sold out his interest in the trading post to A.C Hatfield who continued to operate it under new ownership until 1902 when it burned down; this event marked the end of an era for Archer City as it lost one of its most important commercial centers

In 1906 A C Hatfield sold out his interest in Archer City Trading Post to W T White who operated it until 1916 when he sold it to J H Cox; during this time period Archer City began to grow rapidly as a result of its location just east of Dallas on major transportation routes including US 183/I-35 which opened in 1924

The population reached 1,000 by 1925 when J H Cox built a two story brick store at 302 Main Street which he operated until 1936 when he sold it to R L Smith; during this time period Archer City began to develop into what we see today with numerous antique stores, motels, restaurants and churches scattered throughout its downtown area

Smith continued operating R L Smiths until 1953 when he retired and handed over management duties to his son Ronnie Smith Jr.; during this time period Archer City experienced tremendous growth with new businesses opening including Ace Hardware (1953), Texaco (1954), Kwik Trip (1959), Pizza Hut (1960)and Subway (1974); Ronnie Smith Jr.'s son Rick took over operations from 1984 until 2003 when he retired; Rick's son Rob now operates R L Smiths along with several other businesses including Ace Hardware & More (), Texaco (), Kwik Trip (), Pizza Hut (), Subway () & more