Odessa in Ector County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Tom Lea's "Stampede"
1940
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026
1. Tom Lea's "Stampede" Marker
Rendered by El Paso artist Tom Lea (born 1907), the Odessa post office painting was commissioned by a Depression Era program which placed murals in federal buildings. Chosen in national competition, Lea created the study of the Texas longhorns for Odessa's 1940 post office building. Moved in 1970, the linen-backed mural weighs 700 lbs. and measures 5'7" by 16'9". To capture the energy and action of the legendary cattle, Lea camped among herds on the range. Over a 70-year career he executed other murals and many paintings. He worked as a correspondent during WWII for Life magazine. A noted illustrator, he authored and collaborated on numerous books. Lea's imagery captures the spirit of the Southwest.
Erected 1998 by Heritage of Odessa Foundation. (Marker Number 37.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Arts, Letters, Music • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 31° 50.818′ N, 102° 21.997′ W. Marker is in Odessa, Texas, in Ector County. It is at the intersection of North Texas Avenue and E 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in West Texas. 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ector County Land Rush (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Matthew D. Ector (about 600 feet away); Ector County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); Site of The Odessa Sanitarium (about 600 feet away); The Odessa Telephone Exchange (about 700 feet away); Odessa Land & Townsite Company (about 700 feet away); Site of Livery Stable and Wagon Yard (about 700 feet away); Texas Longhorns (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Odessa.
Another marker is no longer
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026
2. Tom Lea's "Stampede" Mural
This is a replica of the mural that still hangs in the 1970 post office.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026
3. Tom Lea's "Stampede" Mural
Original mural that has been in the Noel Art Museum in Odessa since 2015.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026
4. Tom Lea's "Stampede" Marker
Marker is near the blue handicap sign in front of the post office
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 28 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 27, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. 4. submitted on May 31, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?
