Near Canyon in Randall County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Umbarger
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 3, 2012
1. Umbarger Marker
In 1895, Civil War Veteran and farmer S.G. Umbarger established a wagon yard and sheds for travelers passing through this area. The area became known as Umbarger when the Pecos Valley Railroad, built in 1898, named a rail switch after him. By 1902, the community had a post office; in 1904, citizens established a public school district. German-Catholic families, brought to the area by Pius Friemel, established St. Mary's Church, or Marienkirche, in 1908. During World War II, Italian prisoners of war were held in nearby Hereford. A group of them, trained in Old World techniques, carved religious figures and painted the interior of the parish church, which remains a community center. (1968, 2003)Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5591.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 34° 57.278′ N, 102° 6.343′ W. Marker is near Canyon, Texas, in Randall County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 60
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Randall County (approx. 2.9 miles away); Town of Dawn (approx. 6.2 miles away); W. F. Heller, Pioneer Farmer (approx. 9.6 miles away); L. T. Lester Home (approx. 9.7 miles away); C.R. Burrow House (approx. 9.9 miles away); Shaw-Keiser House (approx. 10 miles away); Presbyterian Church Building (approx. 10.1 miles away); The Smith Building (approx. 10.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canyon.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 3, 2012
2. Umbarger Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 563 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
