Eastland in Eastland County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Early Settlers of Eastland County
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 7, 2017
1. Early Settlers of Eastland County Marker
First known Eastland area inhabitant was Frank Sanchez (d. 1867), who grazed herds here in the 1850s. The United States in 1853 established Army posts at Fort Phantom Hill, in present Taylor County, and Fort Belknap, in present Young County, giving the frontier protection against hostile Indians. This opened a modest influx of settlers, including families named Bell, Birden, Birt, Blair, Ellison, Fitzwaters, Flannagan, Gilbert, Herring, Highsaw, McGough, Mansker, Melburn, Oliver, Owens, Richards, Shirley, Singleton, Upton, and Wyatt, from "old states" of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. The county was created, but not organized, in 1858. The U.S. Census for 1860 showed 99 residents. When Texas seceded from the Union in 1861, and Army garrisons withdrew, many pioneers left or took refuge at Blair's Fort, in southeastern part of the county. Post-Civil War settlers included such leaders as Dr. Edwin Daniel Townsend, who arrived from Kentucky in 1871. The county was organized in an election held Dec. 2, 1873, with Merriman designated county seat (in violation of legislation
this page online
Erected 1972 by the State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 1351.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is December 2, 1873.
Location. 32° 24.02′ N, 98° 49.136′ W. Marker is in Eastland, Texas, in Eastland County. Marker is at the intersection of South Lamar Street and West Olive Street, on the right when traveling north on South Lamar Street. Located flat to the wall of the Eastland Centennial Memorial Library at the south end of building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 South Lamar Street, Eastland TX 76448, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Christian Church (a few steps from this marker); Eastland County World War I Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp Salmon / Texas Civil War Frontier Defense (about 300 feet away); Eastland (about 400 feet away); First United Methodist Church of Eastland (about 400 feet away); Eastland County Courthouse
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 7, 2017
2. Marker near the Eastland Centennial Memorial Library.
Also see . . . History of Eastland County, Texas. (Submitted on July 9, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 423 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
