Impact, Texas, is a small town whose existence is based on alcohol prohibition. That’s because the region in which it is located was dry (under prohibition). But Impact was wet (legally sold alcoholic beverages).
Impact, Texas
The Origins of Impact, Texas
Here’s the story. In 1960, Abilene and all the surrounding region prohibited the sale of alcohol. The demand for such alcohol was met by traveling to cities or counties that were wet. And, perhaps more often, demand was met by bootleggers. These are people who sell alcohol in violation of dry laws.
Before 1960, ad business owner Dallas Perkins operated a family poultry farm. It was on 20 acres of land north of Abilene. He bought 27 more adjoining acres. He then collected 29 signatures from neighbors. With these, Perkins began the town in 1960. He named it after his ad business. Thus, he was advertising his business.
Next, the 20 residents of Impact voted to legalize alcohol sales within its borders. Most were Perkins’ family and friends. The vote was 18 for and two against.
Lawyers for the city of Abilene took legal action to void the town of Impact. But in 1963, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the incorporation. It also upheld the legality of alcohol sales within Impact.
Two store promptly opened to sell alcohol. In the first one month alone, alcohol sales were $463,000. That’s about $3,600,000 in today’s dollars.
The influx of revenue created instant prosperity. The streets were paved and lighted. Garbage pickup began. A peace officer was hired. In 1970, the town grew to 61 people. Impact was a wet oasis prospering in a dry desert.
The Fate of Impact, Texas
Then the bubble burst. In 1978, the city of Abilene narrowly voted to approve alcohol sales. The reason for Impact’s existence was suddenly gone. The town dropped to 39 people by 2000. By 2020, it was 21. The former city hall building is a church. Former mayor Perkins is in a nursing home.
Today, Impact is a suburb of Abilene. It remains one of the smallest towns in Texas. At only 47 acres, it’s less than one-tenth (0.07) of a square mile in area.
Now you know the story of Impact, Texas.
Resources
Web
Readings
- Bearce, S. Abilene.
- Lack, P. The Hist of Abilene.
- Zachry, J. Abilene.