Flora and Fauna
Rich Heritage
Hamilton Park
I am the land. Bobcat, wolves, coyotes, cougar, bison, and even...black bear? Not on this land you think. But if you go back in time, that's exactly what you might seen!
Natural fire, lack of rain, and native herbivores made me a short-grass prairie, but in rainy years my grass grows tall. Some early settlers described my grass as “stirrup high” or "belly high to a horse.” Parents warned children not to wander from wagons or dug- outs for fear that they would be lost in the tall grass.
Lobo (grey) wolves killed many calves in the first years. Ranchers banded together to eliminate the wolves and rabbit populations grew into crop-eating pests, so my communities organized rabbit hunts. The wolves were replaced by coyotes that today continue to prey on small animals. I boast some of the largest mule deer in Texas, and my large numbers of sandhill cranes every fall and winter are a sight to behold. Pheasant, prairie chickens, dove, and plover also reside here. Hunting wasn't a hobby for my early settlers. It put food on the table. Even women and children hunted antelope, deer, rabbits, quail,
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Wildflower seed lay waiting for rain in my sandy soil. Tahoka daisy, Indian blanket, sunflower, and prickly pear bring refreshing color to my landscape. Sage brush and shin oak (shinery) add variety to my prairie grasses. Although not native to this area, mesquite and Russian thistle (tumbleweed) create their own special beauty.
Observe me closely. You will find I remain a
welcoming host for flora and fauna.
Erected 2005.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 33° 11.682′ N, 102° 16.519′ W. Marker is in Brownfield, Texas, in Terry County. Marker is on Lubbock Road (U.S. 62), on the right when traveling south. The marker is on the grounds of Hamilton Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brownfield TX 79316, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Land (here, next to this marker); Law and Order (here, next to this marker); Religion, Education, and Medicine (a few steps from this marker); Ranching (a few steps from this marker); Patriotism (a few steps from this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 12, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
