Stephenville in Erath County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Audie Murphy Arena
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 6, 2026
1. Audie Murphy Arena Marker
Located in an area of Texas known for rodeos, the Audie Murphy Arena originated in Euless, Texas, on the property of car dealer Ray Woods. Woods met Audie Murphy on a defense bonds drive and instantly connected over their love of horses. The arena on Woods’ property and his association with Murphy attracted many cowboys to rodeos with Murphy as a featured guest. In 1952, Woods purchased a ranch in Erath County and the arena was moved to Stephenville where it hosted local rodeos and saw the origination of the Erath County Trail Blazers as well as participation in the Professional Rodeo Association. Murphy continued to appear at rodeos and events until the ranch was sold in the mid-1960s and arena was relocated.
Erected 2016 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18516.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 32° 12.839′ N, 98° 13.945′ W. Marker is in Stephenville, Texas, in Erath County. It is at the intersection of N Dale Ave and W Frey, on the left when traveling north on N Dale Ave. Touch for map. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: John Tarleton (approx. 0.9 miles away); President's House (approx. one mile away); Brick Streets of Stephenville (approx. 1.3 miles away); In Memory of George Bernhard Erath (approx. 1.6 miles away); Erath Arches (approx. 1.6 miles away); First Christian Church (approx. 1.6 miles away); First Methodist Church of Stephenville (approx. 1.7 miles away); Stephenville Masonic Lodge No. 267 (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stephenville.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 6, 2026
2. Audie Murphy Arena Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
