Sherman in Grayson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Great Sherman Storm of 1896

Photographed by Gary Estep, December 22, 2025

1. The Great Sherman Storm of 1896 Marker

Inscription. In the late afternoon of Friday, May 15, 1896, a disastrous tornado swept Sherman, killing about 66 persons, injuring many others, and causing severe property damage. The twister touched down near here, then cut a 2-mile-long path through the city. The same funnel and several smaller ones struck at other locations in the area. Most of the storm's victims were buried in this cemetery. After the tragedy, citizens of Sherman and neighboring towns helped with the rebuilding, and relief contributions were sent from many distant places.

Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11539.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters.

Location. 33° 37.971′ N, 96° 37.322′ W. Marker is in Sherman, Texas, in Grayson County. It is at the intersection of West Lamar Street and South Highland Avenue, on the left when traveling west on West Lamar Street. The marker is located at the West Hill Cemetery Main Gate. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sherman TX 75092, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Andrew Hanson (within shouting distance of this marker); B.H. Zauk (within shouting distance of this marker); The Reverend J.H. Reynolds

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Jefferson Shannon (about 700 feet away); Tom Randolph (about 800 feet away); Andrew L. Randell (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Rev. John Silliman Moore (approx. 0.2 miles away); Olive Ann Oatman Fairchild (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sherman.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Mattie Davis Lucas (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, May 15, 2023

2. The Great Sherman Storm of 1896 Marker

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, May 15, 2023

3. The Great Sherman Storm of 1896 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 809 times since then and 137 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 22, 2025, by Gary Estep of Anna, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on May 16, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.