During the oil boom days, Tatum had quite a large population. Several thousand made their home here, and their kids helped Tatum Schools win several State Sports Championships. Ranching and farming are the backbone of the area, not discounting the oil fields. Several large ranches raising cattle, horses and sheep help keep the economy going. Farming consists mostly of hay and other types of feed for livestock.
Most oil producing areas seem to be to the south and east.
But now, a small populace cannot support such places, so they have gone by the wayside. It was located at the intersection of present-day Hwy 380 and Hwy 206. He applied for a post office and his wife, Mattie, was the first post-mistress of Tatum in December of 1909. One Dr. Charles Bridges established the first medical practice here in 1911. The first school was built on four acres or so in 1912, classes starting in 1913.