Near Long Branch in Panola County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Walter Prescott Webb

(April 3, 1888 - March 8, 1963)

Photographed by James Hulse, March 15, 2025

1. Walter Prescott Webb Marker

Inscription. The world-renowned American historian Walter Prescott Webb was born near this site. His parents were Casner P. and Mary Elizabeth (Kyle) Webb. C.P. Webb farmed and taught school. The family moved in 1893 to the edge of central west Texas. There a startling new terrain spurred young Walter to study the influence of the frontier on American history.

Alternately studying and teaching, Walter Webb earned his B.A. degree in 1915, his M.A. in 1920, and his Ph.D. in 1932, all at the University of Texas. In 1918 he joined the history faculty of the University in Austin, where he taught for 45 years. Visiting lectureships in the U.S. and abroad included a term as Harmsworth Professor at Oxford University in England. An inspiring teacher, he molded a generation of historians and scholarly writers. "The Great Plains", "The Texas Rangers", "Divided We Stand", "The Great Frontier", and his other books are works of splendid vision. Recipient of many honors and offices, he was the first Southwesterner to serve as president of the American Historical Association.

He married (1) Jane Oliphant, by whom he had one daughter, Mildred

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(Mrs. W.B. Bugg), and (2) Mrs. Terrell Maverick. He is buried in the Texas State Cemetery.

Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10852.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 32° 2.025′ N, 94° 28.958′ W. Marker is near Long Branch, Texas, in Panola County. It is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 1971 and County Road 1741, on the left when traveling south on Road 1971. The marker is located at the public boat ramp at FM 1971, south end of Lake Murvaul Bridge, 16 mi. SW of Carthage. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2069 FM 1971, Long Branch TX 75669, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

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.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 15, 2025

2. Walter Prescott Webb Marker

The marker is located next to a boat ramp at Lake Murvaul.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Church Bethel (approx. 4.4 miles away); Old Bethel Baptist Church History (approx. 5.1 miles away); Rev. Isaac Reed (approx. 5½ miles away); Cedar Grove Baptist Church (approx. 6.4 miles away); Caledonia Methodist Church (approx. 8 miles away); Allison Chapel United Methodist Church (approx. 8.3 miles away); Pine Hill Methodist Cemetery (approx. 8.6 miles away); Buckner Cemetery (approx. 8.8 miles away).

Also see . . . Walter Prescott Webb. Wikipedia

Walter Prescott Webb (April 3, 1888, in Panola County, Texas – March 8, 1963, near Austin, Texas) was an American historian noted for his groundbreaking work on the American West. As president of the Texas State Historical Association, he launched the project that produced the Handbook of Texas. He is a member of the Hall of Great Westerners, which is a part of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

(Submitted on March 20, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 20, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.