Founded by John R. Ralls on land he donated for a townsite, the City of Ralls grew through his support as he erected the greater part of the business district, gave free sites, and paid much of the cost of building each church in town. In 1911, he contributed 12 acres for a school site and also offered a donation of 2,000 acres for the site of Texas Technological College. Born in Culloden, Georgia, on November 13, 1863, Ralls moved west in the 1880s. After settling litigation with C.B. Livestock Company, sponsors of the towns of Crosbyton and Cedric, he secured a railroad station in 1916. The city was incorporated on January 6, 1922, after the founder's death.