Gail in Borden County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
19021904 Land Rushes
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, February 14, 2026
1. 19021904 Land Rushes Marker
Cowboys and settlers fought here in early days for the right to claim lands placed in the public domain in 1902 by Texas courts. To keep land they were using, ranchers sent their men wearing blue ribbon armbands to file claims at the office of the county clerk. Nesters, with red ribbons, rushed for the same land. To avoid bloodshed, Sheriff W. K. Clark disarmed the men. For three days prior to the deadlines, the cowboys and nesters had knockdown, dragout fights at the filing window.
Later, nesters starved out because of droughts, and the land they took up reverted to grazing.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 27.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 32° 46.173′ N, 101° 26.712′ W. Marker is in Gail, Texas, in Borden County. It is at the intersection of Oak Street (Ranch to Market Road 669) and Wilbourn Ave, on the left when traveling south on Oak Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 141 Oak St, Gail TX 79738, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Texas. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Borden County (within shouting distance of this marker); Gail Borden, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Borden County Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Borden County Jail (about 300 feet away); Dorward Drug (about
this page online
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, February 14, 2026
2. 19021904 Land Rushes Marker
The marker is located next to the Borden County Museum building.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 51 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on March 4, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2. submitted on March 5, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
