Water Valley in Tom Green County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
World War I Peace Monument
Photographed By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016
1. World War I Peace Monument Marker
On Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, at least ten men and a burro named “Come On” climbed the 2,410-foot rise of Mount McLaughlin two miles south of this site. They built five tiers of native fieldstone on the western end of the peak. Designed by local mason Harry Howard, the monument stands twenty-two feet high and measures eight feet wide at its base. It bears the names of the Water Valley men who served in World War I: Herschel Ditmore, John Gillespie, Webb Gillespie, Earl Hanson, Chester Harden, Mark Harden, Ollie McCrary, John Runnels, Boone Rainey, Ulysis Rainey, J.H. Ruth, and Mark Trotter. Important facts about the war also are listed. The builders of this monument were Frank Demere, George Demere, Houston Ditmore, Harve Earnest, Will Garner, Pablo Garza, Harry Howard, S.L. Tate, Stanley Turner, and R.R. Wade.
The monument continues to honor the heroes of Water Valley. Four of the veterans and five of the builders are interred in the Water Valley Cemetery.
Erected 1997 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number
this page online
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is November 11, 1918.
Location. 31° 40.039′ N, 100° 42.736′ W. Marker is in Water Valley, Texas, in Tom Green County. Marker is at the intersection of Spring Road and U.S. 87, on the right when traveling east on Spring Road. Marker is located at the west corner of Water Valley Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlsbad TX 76934, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Anti-Tuberculosis Colony No. 1 (approx. 5.4 miles away); Divide Cemetery (approx. 9.6 miles away); Natural Landmark Shelving Rock (approx. 9.8 miles away); Butterfield Stage Station at Grape Creek (approx. 11.9 miles away); Sheep and Goat Industry in Texas (approx. 14.4 miles away); The Butterfield or California Trail (approx. 14˝ miles away).
Additional commentary.
1. Mount McLaughlin
The World War I Peace Monument at the west end of the peak is 1.7 miles south-by-southwest of the marker location. The monument is located at coordinates 31.645334, -100.725664. The monument is on private land, and there is no public access
Photographed By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016
2. World War I Peace Monument Marker
— Submitted July 23, 2016.
Photographed By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016
3. View to Southwest from Spring Road
Photographed By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016
4. Mount McLaughlin
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,442 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 23, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
