Downing
Downing, on State Highway 16 ten miles northeast of Comanche in northern Comanche County, was founded in the early 1880s. At a meeting to name the town and apply for a post office Walter Henry Loudermilk suggested that the town be called Dawning because of the beautiful sunrise. The post office department in Washington made an error in the spelling, and the town was named Downing. William C. Davis was appointed the first postmaster on November 26, 1888. On May 11, 1911, the post office was consolidated with that of Comanche. The population of Downing was reported as 103 in 1940; subsequently, like other rural towns in the state, it began to decline. In 1980 and 1990 twenty residents remained in the community. The population was thirty in 2000.
Tracey L. Compton | © TSHA
Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.
- ✅ Adoption Status:
Belongs to
Downing is part of or belongs to the following places:
Currently Exists
Yes
Place type
Downing is classified as a Town
Associated Names
- [Dawning]
Location
Latitude: 32.02403240Longitude: -98.55060370
Has Post Office
No
Is Incorporated
No
Population Count, 2009
30