Springer’s Road Ranch was the first post office in Hemphill County and was notable for a tunnel leading from its dugout home-store to the corral. Located on the 1870s trail from Fort Elliott to Fort Supply in Indian Territory and on to Fort Dodge, Kansas, it was established by A. G. Springer. Along with running 300 head of cattle, the ranch served as a stagecoach stand, tavern, and store mainly serving teamsters and hunters with liquor, canned goods, and hunting equipment. Springer, a poker expert, often hosted soldiers seeking entertainment in the tavern. In 1877, Springer and his partner Tom Ledbetter were killed in a gun battle with angered soldiers and were buried at the ranch.