New York native Julian Marcus Bassett migrated to Texas with his parents in 1882. A rancher and businessman, he helped establish the C. B. Livestock Company. To promote company land sales in the area, Bassett had the townsite of Crosbyton platted in 1907. He later organized construction of the Crosbyton South Plains Rail Line, which helped the town become the county seat in 1911. This site was donated by Bassett for use as a public cemetery.