Unraveling The Enigma Of Panhanndle, Texas: Secret Religious Hideout Or Typo?

Every region has its own quirky landmarks. In the Texas panhandle, everyone is familiar with a sign pointing you toward "Panhanndle." The sign can be confusing considering there is a town named Panhandle in the Texas panhandle. Is Panhanndle different from Panhandle?

I hope. It's either that or someone's legacy is a really embarrassing typo.

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The First Clue On The Trail To Panhanndle, Texas; The Railroad

Finding the lost city of Panhanndle, Texas is no easy task. I spent hours pouring over maps and historical records trying to find some clue about the history of this mysterious hamlet. I almost gave up hope, until I came across something from the early 1900s.

The earliest mention of Panhanndle is in 1920. It's in something called the "Code of Rules (M.C.B.) Governing the Condition Of, And Repairs To, Freight And Passenger Cars."

On page 200 I couldn't believe what I saw. There before me was a clue leading to the existence of Panhanndle.

The first instance of Panhanndle I was able to find came from the Panhanndle & Santa Fe Railway Company.

Was Panhanndle A Refuge For Religious Fanatics?

Panhanndle appears again in 1979. This time it involves spirituality, science, and a religious revolution of sorts. The reference is found in the Summer & Spring edition of the "Family Of God Diary."

The issue features a story about a man by the name of Vern Grimsley, who was scheduled to speak in Amarillo one night before flying to Nebraska to further spread his message.

On the page is a reference to an "Alliance Panhanndle Forum." You'll find it next to the picture of Vern. Is this evidence of a religious sect setting up shop in Panhanndle, Texas?

Grimsley is known for his teaching on the links between psychology, science, philosophy, and religion (nerd). Is it possible that Panhanndle was ground-zero for a spiritual awakening or revolution in the Texas panhandle?

Researching Vern even more, you discover that he was heavily involved with Urantia. Was Panhanndle a bastion for those exploring new ways of approaching science and religion as one? Could it have been a religious settlement of sorts?

Panhanndle Is Nothing More Than A Texas-Sized Typo

My excitement was overwhelming. It felt like I was on to something. What happened to this phantom village of Panhanndle? Then the truth set it. I had been researching a recurring typo throughout Texas panhandle history.

The "Panhanndle & Santa Fe Railway Company" was the Panhandle & Santa Fe Railway Company. The "Alliance Panhanndle Forum" was the Panhandle Forum.

There is no record, no coordinates, no other breadcrumbs leading to a Panhanndle, Texas. I don't know who is the bigger sucker, the person who made the typo or me for spending so long chasing it down.