Burkburnett in Wichita County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

John Gerham Hardin

(1854-1937)

Photographed by James Hulse, October 27, 2025

1. John Gerham Hardin Marker

Inscription. Pioneer settler, financier and philanthropist. Came to Texas in 1876 and to this area in 1879, living at first in a dugout. Operating a store and owning extensive lands, he amassed a fortune that he left as a rich legacy for Texas children. He gave six million dollars to Buckner Orphans Home, Baylor Hospital, Baylor University, Mary Hardin-Baylor College, Abilene Christian College, Howard Payne College, Hardin Junior College, Hardin-Simmons University and local churches and schools.

This park was one of his gifts to children.

Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2782.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 34° 5.279′ N, 98° 34.196′ W. Marker is in Burkburnett, Texas, in Wichita County. It is at the intersection of E Williams Dr and South Avenue D, on the right when traveling west on E Williams Dr. The marker is located along a small park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Burkburnett TX 76354, 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: Samuel Burk Burnett (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burkburnett Masonic Lodge No. 1027 (approx.

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0.4 miles away); Central Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); Charley Lee Coe (approx. 0.6 miles away); 1960 Ford Milk Truck (approx. 0.6 miles away); Panhandle Oil and Refining Company (approx. 0.6 miles away); The First National Bank of Burkburnett (approx. 0.7 miles away); Home of Monroe Dodson (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burkburnett.

Also see . . . John Gresham Hardin: Life of a Philanthropic Farmer and Entrepreneur. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

Apparently using the profits accrued from his business, Hardin began buying land in the area for one to three dollars an acre. By the turn of the century his holdings totaled 4,000 acres, and he had become a leading wheat farmer and local financier. He had accumulated some 6,000 acres of land by about 1915, when farming, land sales and leases, and moneylending had increased his fortune to more than $1 million. Hardin's landholdings lay in the area that after 1918 became the Burkburnett oilfield. He leased portions of his land to oil companies beginning in 1918, and at one time as many
Photographed by James Hulse, October 27, 2025

2. The view of the John Gerham Hardin Marker In the park
as 100 wells—some producing up to 3,000 barrels a day—operated on his holdings. After the discovery of oil on his property he stopped lending money and invested his oil profits in bonds, through which he accumulated $5 million. During his career he served as president of the First National Bank of Burkburnett and was a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Wichita Falls.

(Submitted on October 31, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the John Gerham Hardin Marker along the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, October 27, 2025

3. The view of the John Gerham Hardin Marker along the street

Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.