Marathon in Brewster County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Marathon
Photographed by Richard Denney, December 21, 2009
1. Marathon Marker
Marathon was founded in 1881. Named by an old sea captain, A.E. Shepard, for the Plain of Marathon, in Greece, of which the hills here reminded him.
Cradle of West Texas cattle industry. Among the first noted ranchers here were Mayer M. Halff and brother, owners of the famous Circle Dot brand.
Original gateway to the Big Bend National Park.
Erected 1965 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3201.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Comanche Trail into Mexico series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 30° 12.377′ N, 103° 13.724′ W. Marker is in Marathon, Texas, in Brewster County. It is on U.S. 90. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marathon TX 79842, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Trans-Pecos & Big Bend Region. It is also in the American Southwest. 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 Comancherνa, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Albion E. Shepard House (approx. one mile away); Chambers Hotel (approx. one mile
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. First School House (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. Marker is about 1 mi. east of town on US 90.
Photographed by Richard Denney, December 21, 2009
2. Looking west towards Marathon
Marker is visible on right.
Photographed by Richard Denney, December 21, 2009
3. Part of downtown Marathon
Photographed by Richard Denney, December 21, 2009
4. Tracks that run through Marathon
As with some other West Texas towns, Marathon has two first streets: one that is north of the tracks, and one that is south.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 3,389 times since then and 171 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 14, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
