Canyon in Randall County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of an Early Barbed Wire Fence in the Panhandle
Wanting free access to water and grass, ranchers at first resisted fencing. Cowboys disliked it, as fewer range riders were needed on fenced lands. The old-timers grew bitter, because of blocked trails—herds had to be hauled rather than driven to market.
Yet, newcomers wanted fencing, in order to have use of land purchased for ranching. Merchants and city-builders wanted fences, to assure settlement.
The T-Anchor, owned by Jot Gunter and Wm. B. Munson, real estate investors of Grayson County, built a line fence on this site in 1881, enclosing a 240,000-acre horse pasture. Also, built in this area, by popular subscription, was a “drift” fence to hold cattle back from wandering south in blue northers and blizzards.
Barbed wire gradually came into general use. It saved the cattle industry, because improvements in breeding and feeding were possible on fenced ranges.
Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 4921.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 34° 58.793′ N, 101° 54.322′ W. Marker is in Canyon, Texas, in Randall County. Marker is on 4th Avenue (State Highway 217) 0.2 miles west of Russell Long Boulevard (State Highway 48 Spur), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canyon TX 79015, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Co. F, 2nd Bn., 142nd Inf., 36th Div., Texas National Guard (here, next to this marker); Lucille Nance Jones (approx. ¼ mile away); Georgia O'Keeffe in Canyon (approx. 0.6 miles away); T-Anchor Ranch (approx. 0.6 miles away); Buffalo Courts (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Charles Goodnight Memorial Trail (approx. 0.7 miles away); First National Bank (approx. 0.8 miles away); Roof with Snow / Kimbrough House (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canyon.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 672 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.