Argyle, Texas boasts a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s, when settlers first arrived in an area originally known as Pilot Knob or Waintown. The community began taking shape with the establishment of a school in 1875, followed by a Baptist church in 1876 and a post office in 1878. The town’s transformation truly began in 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Railway built tracks through the area, prompting James Morrill to construct a depot and establishing the community we know today.

The name “Argyle” was given by a railroad surveyor who named it after a garden in France, lending European charm to this Texas settlement. By 1890, Argyle had grown to 148 residents and featured thriving businesses including two steam gristmills, a cotton gin, two general stores, a hotel, and a hardware store. The railroad brought prosperity, enabling farmers to ship new cash crops like wheat and oats while also raising hogs and sheep.

Though a devastating fire in 1895 destroyed the entire business section after starting in a dry goods store, the resilient community rebuilt by the early twentieth century. The Great Depression hit hard, reducing the population to just ninety residents by 1950. However, Argyle’s fortunes changed after incorporating as a separate city on September 19, 1960.

Today, historic downtown Argyle retains its small-town charm with unique shops and restaurants that reflect its heritage. The town has successfully preserved its rural character while embracing growth, attracting families from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex who appreciate its authentic small-town atmosphere. The historic downtown area serves as the heart of this close-knit community, where visitors can still feel the echoes of its frontier past while enjoying modern amenities.