Shamrock in Wheeler County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Legend of St. Patrick and the Shamrock

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 6, 2017

1. The Legend of St. Patrick and the Shamrock Marker

Inscription. Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. Even with all of his celebrity, much of his life remains a mystery. Historians are still researching and debating the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, and his walking stick growing into a living tree.

Saint Patrickwas a fifth century missionary and Bishop in Ireland. He was the primary Saint of Ireland and historically known as the Apostle of Ireland. Early medieval tradition credits him with being the first Bishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland. Saint Patrick is regarded as being the founder of Christianity in Ireland.

Legend credits Saint Patrick with teaching the Irish about the Holy Trinity by showing the people a three leafed plant called a shamrock. Saint Patrick used the three leaves of the Shamrock to illustrate the Christian teaching of the three persons in one; God, the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Saint Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17, the day of his death. It is celebrated inside and outside of Ireland as a religious and cultural holiday. Here in Shamrock, Texas, our nationally

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recognized annual Saint Patrick’s Celebration is also the entire weekend closest to March 17. The Texas Legislature has declared Shamrock as the official Saint Patrick’s Celebration for the State of Texas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 35° 12.936′ N, 100° 14.931′ W. Marker is in Shamrock, Texas, in Wheeler County. It is at the intersection of N Main Street (U.S. 83) and E 2nd Street, on the left when traveling south on N Main Street. Marker is located in Blarney Stone Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shamrock TX 79079, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Texas Panhandle.

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 Dust Bowl,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Blarney Stone Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 6, 2017

2. Blarney Stone Plaza

Marker is located in Blarney Stone Plaza.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to Blarney Stone Plaza (here, next to this marker); Shamrock’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (a few steps from this marker); Glenn Truax (a few steps from this marker); Shamrock Water Tower (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Years: Shamrock in 1912 (about 500 feet away); Construction Planning (about 500 feet away); Chicago Bridge and Iron: A Tower Takes Shape (about 500 feet away); The Raising of Shamrock's Tower (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shamrock.

More about this marker. A picture of St. Patrick holding a shamrock appears on the right side of the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 850 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.