Old Hurley was the first town in Bailey County. It was promoted in 1907 by the land company of Stevens A. Coldren, who had a townsite surveyed and named for Patrick J. Hurley, a New Mexico political leader. The company built a general store, hotel, and livery stable, and wide plowed furrows marked future streets. A post office was established in August 1907, settlers arrived, and a church and school were begun. In 1913, however, the railroad bypassed the town. Efforts to start New Hurley on the rail line failed, and after Muleshoe became county seat in 1918, Hurley expired.