Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Old Gray Mare Band

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023

1. Old Gray Mare Band Marker

Inscription. The 142nd Infantry Band of the 36th division of the U. S. Army began during the first World War. Band leader R. Wright Armstrong reformed the group in Brownwood in Nov. 1921. They played at such notable events as American Legion Conventions in New Orleans and San Francisco and the 1923 inauguration of Gov. Pat Neff, who proclaimed them the official band of Texas. The band marched behind an actual mare and rider into hotels, state capitol buildings and democratic party national conventions in Houston (1928) and Chicago (1932). Wearing distinctive red silk shirts, yellow bandanas, patent leather boots and sombreros, the Old Gray Mare Band spread the spirit of Texas across the state and nation.175 Years of Texas Independence 1836 - 2011

Erected 2011 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16938.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War, World I.

Location. 31° 42.961′ N, 98° 58.8′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is on East Depot Street 0.1 miles east of South Greenleaf Street. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 East Depot Street, Brownwood TX 76801, 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 Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Brownwood Santa Fe Passenger Depot (here, next to this marker); Brownwood Harvey House (a few steps from this marker); Brooke Smith (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Mollie W. Armstrong (approx. 0.3 miles away); J. A. Walker House (approx. 0.3 miles away); R. B. Rogers House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Rev. Dr. John David Robnett (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Rev. Noah Turner Byars (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023

2. Old Gray Mare Band Marker

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023

3. Old Gray Mare Band Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.