History :

Morland, a city with a population of 237 in 1980, is located in the western part of Graham County. It is in a beautiful location, being surrounded by fertile fields and pastures and with the south fork of the Solomon River flowing through the City. Morland, however, has a most unusual history.

It was first known as Fremont, probably named for General John C. Fremont, noted explorer. Fremont had been established as government townsite when Probate Judge James Gordon filed Declaratory Statement No. 18000 "Kirwin Series" on February 24, 1881 on the NE¼, of Sec. 23 and SE ¼ of 14-8-25. The first postmaster, Chas. H. Morgan, was appointed May 11, 1881, continuing until March 19, 1883 when Edward Atkin was appointed postmaster.

There is no doubt that the first years of Fremont were a struggle for the families living there and that Fremont was nearly abandoned. The plat of Fremont was not filed with the Register of Deeds until Oct. 17, 1884 by J. B. Smith and Mr. Smith at that time stated he was the founder of the town of Fremont. The survey of the townsite showed improvements of one dwelling house 12 x 16 ft.; foundation for a frame store building, lumber on premises for same 12 x 20 ft. and one well of water.

On January 14, 1898, several years later the Graham Gem would state: "During the first settlement of the townsite on the north side of the river, there was one time when the town had dwindled down to one family, that of C. H. Morgan, and about 1000 prairie dogs."

A letter to the Government land office of March 2, 1885, written by Chas. H. Morgan stated he had been the postmaster of Fremont and had a merchandise business, but the post office had been moved away and he now owned the only improvements on half of the townsite. He asked if he could open his half of the townsite for settlement if he saw fit to do so.