Ransom Canyon
Spanish explorers crossed this canyon, part of the larger Yellow House Canyon, perhaps as early as the 1540s. Jumano, Apache, and Comanche Indians camped here to take advantage of the canyon's protective walls, fresh water springs, trees, and abundant game.
In the late 1700s New Mexican traders known as Comancheros began to exchange agricultural and craft products of their villages for buffalo hides, horses, and other items of the Plains Indians along a trade route which passed through this canyon. In the 1800s a number of captives were brought here by Comanche Indians and sold to Comancheros. The Comanchero practice of demanding ransom for their release gave rise to the canyon's name.
By the 1870s mostly buffalo hunters and ranchers occupied the area. In 1884 the Western Land and Livestock Company bought most of the land in the canyon area and operated the famous IOA Ranch. The IOA Ranch venture failed and in 1901 the canyon became the site of the O6 Ranch. From 1915 until 1961 Ransom Canyon was part of a large ranch owned by the Johnston Family.
In 1961 investors purchased the canyon area and in 1965 platted Lake Ransom Canyon Village. The village was incorporated in 1978.
Erected 1994 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4202.)
Topics. This historical marker
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Location. 33° 31.822′ N, 101° 40.954′ W. Marker is in Ransom Canyon, Texas, in Lubbock County. Marker is at the intersection of Lake Shore Drive East and West Brookhollow, on the right when traveling east on Lake Shore Drive East. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ransom Canyon TX 79366, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. V-8 Ranch (approx. 2.6 miles away); Immanuel Lutheran Church (approx. 3.8 miles away); Englewood Cemetery (approx. 5.8 miles away); Slaton Harvey House (approx. 6.6 miles away); Harmon Farms (approx. 6.7 miles away); Slaton Bakery (approx. 6.8 miles away); Slaton (approx. 6.8 miles away); Engine 1809 (approx. 6.8 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2021, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. This page has been viewed 436 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 14, 2021, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
