Tolar is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 377 and F.M. 56, about an hour southwest of Fort Worth. For specific travel plans, it is worth checking current road conditions. The town offers several distinct points of interest to help you choose a destination: railroad history, rebuilding after a fire, and a windmill farm in a rural setting.
Railroads, the Town’s Name, and Rebuilding
The Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railroad was built through Tolar in 1889 and continued southwest to Bluff Dale. The line served by Tolar was later extended to Brownwood. Its arrival brought regular mail delivery and enabled farmers in the area to ship and receive goods. The railroad’s history is therefore not just about the route, but also about how mail and the movement of goods changed for nearby farms.
The station was initially called “Squaw Creek Station.” Later, the town was renamed Tolar in honor of Captain Alfred H.H. Tolar. A fire destroyed most of the buildings in 1909; according to reports, only four remained standing. Stone buildings were built to replace those destroyed in the fire. The name, fire, and rebuilding thus form a connected story of the town: from its former railroad station to the buildings constructed after the fire.
Windmills and Local History
The Windmill Farm in Tolar includes more than 30 windmills across 26 acres in a rural setting. The windmills represent types that were actually used in this part of Texas. The farm thus complements the railroad theme with a different aspect of regional technological history. Before traveling there, it is best to check the operator’s current visitor information.
The Tolar Tabernacle was built circa 1897. Another local point of interest is Starr Hollow Golf Club; it is open only to members and their authorized guests. If you are considering a visit, check the guest policy in advance. These different conditions are relevant when planning: for Windmill Farm, it is worth checking current visitor information; the golf club restricts access to members and authorized guests.
Regional Orientation
Near Tolar to the southeast is the Paluxy Valley, which is associated with the Paluxy River. The river’s water supported early farms and homes. To the northeast, in the surrounding area, is Granbury, which has a historic square and a lake. Glen Rose lies southeast of Tolar; Fossil Rim Park is nearby. These directions place the named locations in the region without combining them into a fixed route.
Hill City Chop House is locally owned and family-operated. If you include it in your plans, check for current information in advance. When choosing a place to stay, it may also help to consider whether you mainly want to explore Tolar itself, with its railroad history and Windmill Farm, or whether the regional points of interest in Granbury and Glen Rose also factor into your plans.
Discover more destinations: Oak Trail Shores, Granbury, Decordova
Return to the main travel overview: Hood County.
