Established by the XIT Ranch in 1898, this community was first called Frio, after Frio Draw, and served as a shipping point on the recently built Pecos & Northern Texas Railroad. In 1906, the George G. Wright Land Co. took options on area lands and began a colonization project, promoting fertile land and a healthful climate to attract settlers from Ohio to Kansas. The company built a hotel, livery stable, and bank. When the post office opened on March 16, 1907, the town's name changed to Friona, and Sarah D. Olson became the first postmaster. That same year, Parmer County was organized and the Union Congregational Church became the town's first church, followed by the opening of a school the next year. A dispute with Farwell over the county seat led to an election in 1913; voters chose Farwell, Friona residents challenged the outcome, and a court ruled for Farwell in 1916. Also in 1916, S.A. Harris began publishing the Friona Sentinel, which became the Friona Star in 1925. Residents voted to incorporate the city in 1928 and elected John W. White as mayor. In the latter part of the 20th century, Friona became a regional marketing center for agricultural and beef products and claimed the title of Grain Sorghum Capital of the World.