Canadian in Hemphill County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Canadian River Trails

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 17, 2016

1. Canadian River Trails Marker

Inscription. Trade, exploration and hunting trails along the Canadian are older than recorded history—old when used 1541 by Spaniard Coronado hunting golden cities of Cibola. Route in 1840 for Josiah Gregg and 34 Missouri men with goods worth $25,000 headed for trade in Santa Fe. Used by 1849 parties escorted by U.S. Army Captain R.B. Marcy on way to California Gold Rush.

Hunters, cattlemen, settlers used Canadian River Trails in 1870's and 80's, as Panhandle was opened to civilization.

River's name, “Canadian,” came from Spanish for “boxed-in.”

Erected 1966 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 697.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1541.

Location. 35° 55.402′ N, 100° 22.613′ W. Marker is in Canadian, Texas, in Hemphill County. It is on U.S. 60 north of 6th Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in city park at north end of town. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canadian TX 79014, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is on the Texas Panhandle.

It is also on the American Great Plains

and specifically on the Southern Plains.

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 Dust Bowl,

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: Hemphill County (here, next to this marker); Robert R. Young (here, next to this marker); Quanah Parker Trail (a few steps from this marker); Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Tom T. McGee (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Former Canadian Hospital (approx. ¾ mile away); First National Bank of Canadian (approx. ¾ mile away); Moody Hotel (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canadian.

Additional commentary.
1. Origin of the name of the Canadian River
The marker states that the origin of the name of the Canadian River comes from the Spanish word for "boxed-in", which may be "cañada" or even

Canadian River Trails Marker <i>at far left</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 2, 2012

2. Canadian River Trails Marker at far left

"cañón." There are many alternative suggested origins for the name, many coming from the languages of the native peoples of the region.

— Submitted April 4, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 805 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 5, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 2. submitted on May 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.