Near Seymour in Baylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Near Route of The Western Trail
Photographed by Brian Anderson, November 23, 2021
1. Near Route of The Western Trail Marker
Principal cattle trail from Texas to Kansas and beyond from 1876 to 1887; superseded the Chisholm Trial after Dodge City replaced Abilene as the main intermediate northern beef market.
As its name implies, the Western Trail ran west of the Chisholm Trail, by about 100 miles. Most of its feeder trails started in South Texas, although some made connections at San Antonio and Fort Griffin.
Here in Baylor County the trail crossed Brazos River, passing half a mile east of Seymour, a major supply center. The herds bedded near Seymour Creek, at the site of the present fair grounds. The Millett Ranch (established 1874) served as a watering spot, and the Millett Brothers - Eugene, Alzono, and Hiram - were among the first users of the trail.
From Seymour the route continued north, leaving Texas at Doan's Store on the Red River. It then ran through Oklahoma to Dodge City, lesser extensions proceeding to Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana.
During its life, the Western Trail moved hundreds of thousands of cattle north to stock ranges, Indian reservations, and markets. But after the fencing of the open range and building of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, it ceased to be used by the cattle industry.
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 33° 36.685′ N, 99° 15.239′ W. Marker is near Seymour, Texas, in Baylor County. It is on U.S. 82 0.7 miles west of U.S. 183, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Seymour TX 76380, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Big Country. 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 Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Christian Church of Seymour (approx. 1.4 miles away); Early Community Building (approx. 1.6 miles away); Baylor County (approx. 1.7 miles away); William Lewis Ellis (approx. 2.6 miles away); Edward D. Miller (1829-1880) / Mary S. Miller (1838-1890) (approx. 2.7 miles away); St. John Catholic Church (approx. 12.1 miles away).
Also see . . . Western Trail - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on November 30, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.)
Photographed by Brian Anderson, November 23, 2021
2. Near Route of The Western Trail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 572 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.
