In a compelling exploration of historical records, one researcher has embarked on a mission to clarify the origins of the Texas town of Marfa's name. Contrary to popular belief, the name does not derive from Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. Instead, evidence points to Jules Verne’s novel Michael Strogoff. The researcher, who moved from New York City to Texas two decades ago, meticulously investigated various sources and found that the earliest mention of Marfa's name linked it to Verne's work. Despite presenting this information to city officials and tourism representatives, he received no response. This article delves into the historical context, the researcher's findings, and the ongoing debate surrounding the naming of Marfa.

For years, the origin of Marfa's name has been a topic of discussion and speculation. Many believed it was inspired by a character in Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. However, this notion is challenged by a dedicated researcher who uncovered substantial evidence suggesting otherwise. His journey began when he relocated from New York to Texas around 20 years ago. Intrigued by local history, he started compiling a dictionary of Texas terms, similar to one he had created for New York. During his research, he discovered an article in the Galveston Daily News from December 17, 1882, which mentioned Marfa being named after a character in Jules Verne’s Michael Strogoff. This finding contradicted the widely accepted theory and led him to further investigate.

The researcher’s discovery was reinforced by another source, the Southwestern Historical Quarterly from October 1944. It stated that the wife of the Southern Pacific Railway's chief engineer named the town while reading Michael Strogoff during a tour of inspection in 1881. This provided additional support for the connection between Marfa and Verne’s work. Despite these findings, the researcher faced challenges in getting recognition. He reached out to city officials and tourism personnel via multiple channels but received no acknowledgment or replies. Even a prominent historian, Dr. Fischer, proposed alternative theories without providing concrete evidence, further complicating the narrative.

Dr. Fischer suggested that Marfa might have been named after a character in Nikolai Karamazin’s Marfa Posadnitsa, a 19th-century Russian novel. He also claimed that the town was named by Ms. Crocker, the wife of railroad owner Charles Crocker. However, the researcher found no documentary evidence supporting either of these claims. Instead, he concluded that Hannah Maria Strobridge, the wife of railroad engineer James Harvey Strobridge, was almost certainly the person who named the town after a character in Michael Strogoff. Despite presenting his findings to various platforms, including the Big Bend Sentinel, he encountered resistance and lack of engagement from local authorities.

The researcher’s efforts highlight the importance of thorough historical investigation and the need for accurate documentation. His persistence in uncovering the true origin of Marfa’s name demonstrates the value of challenging widely accepted narratives with solid evidence. While his attempts to engage with city officials have been met with silence, his dedication to historical accuracy remains unwavering. Ultimately, the story of Marfa’s name serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of history and the significance of preserving and understanding our past.