Marathon in Brewster County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Double Mills

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 25, 2026

1. Double Mills Marker

Inscription. A natural watering place in prehistoric time, as evidenced by artifacts found here. Used later by Indians and Spaniards on roads from northern Mexico.

As Maravillas Creek developed from a draw into water channel, old water hole vanished. About 1900 a rancher, George Miller, dug two wells and put up twin windmills. After that site was called Double Mills.

Became campsite for ranchers driving cattle and horses from Mexico or the Chisos Mountains to the railroad at Marathon. Also for wagon trains of ore; and for U.S. troops on border duty.

Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 1258.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Comanche Trail into Mexico, and the Windmills series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 29° 44.569′ N, 103° 9.648′ W. Marker is in Marathon, Texas, in Brewster County. It is on U.S. 385, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in small rest stop, on left, going south on 385. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marathon TX 79842, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Trans-Pecos & Big Bend Region.

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 Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 2 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The U.S. Army Camel Experiment (a few steps from this marker); Comanche Trail (approx. 5.8 miles away).

Double Mills Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Denney, March 22, 2012

2. Double Mills Marker in context

Ruins of old windmill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Denney, March 22, 2012

3. Ruins of old windmill

Photographed by Richard Denney, March 22, 2012

4. Double Mills Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2012, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,435 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 1, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 27, 2012, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.