Near Guthrie in King County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

King County

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 9, 2017

1. King County Marker

Inscription. Created Aug. 21, 1876, from Bexar County, whose diamond-shaped boundaries extended from the Rio Grande to the Panhandle to El Paso. Named for William King, who died at the Alamo. Chief industry, ranching, is reflected in its famous cattle brands: "6666", "Pitchfork", "S M S" and "Matador".

A population of only 173 in 1890 was aided in formal organization by petitions signed by itinerants. Names of favorite horses were also added. Organization came on June 25, 1891. In establishing county seat, cowboys voted for Guthrie, which won over Ashville, choice of the ranchers.

Erected 1965 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 2944.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 25, 1891.

Location. 33° 37.925′ N, 100° 21.422′ W. Marker is near Guthrie, Texas, in King County. It is on U.S. 82 2½ miles west of Guthrie, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Guthrie TX 79236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

It is also on the American Great Plains

and specifically on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: King County Courthouse

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(approx. 2.2 miles away); Leo Roark (approx. 2.8 miles away); Pitchfork Ranch (approx. 10.4 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker was originally erected in 1936 but, the plaque was replaced in 1965.

Additional commentary.
1. Marker removed?
Recent Google street view does not show this monument & marker. Two picnic pavilion's have been placed at this spot.

— Submitted March 26, 2023.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 9, 2017

2. King County Marker

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 9, 2017

3. King County Marker

View east on highway US-82.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Verify marker still here. • Can you help?