Founded in 1884 by Jacob C. Lingle, Lingleville originally covered a ten-block area. A Post Office was established in 1885, and by 1892 the community boasted stores, blacksmith shops, a mill gin, and three churches. Although bypassed by the railroad, the town thrived and soon included educational facilities and more businesses. Almost completely devastated by a downtown robbery and fire in 1901, the town rallied and rebuilt. The 1919 oil boom at the nearby Desdemona oil field brought increased settlement and business to Lingleville.