Near Wingate in Runnels County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Old Communities of Mazeland and Wilmeth
Mazeland (2½ mi. SW) was founded in 1903 when a post office and store opened on A.B. Hutchinson’s ranch. Community was probably named for the corn or “maize” which grows in the area. A one-room school, built 1 mi. W. (1904), later served both places.
By 1906 the settlement had enlarged so this section was named in honor of Joe Wilmeth, a popular Ballinger banker.
Before Wilmeth post office was established (1907) citizens would take turns bringing mail from Mazeland in horse-drawn wagons. In 1909, however, both post offices were discontinued.
Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3269.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 31° 58.644′ N, 100° 7.207′ W. Marker is near Wingate, Texas, in Runnels County. Marker is on Farm to Market Road 383 south of County Road 378, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in front lawn of the Wingate Masonic Lodge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winters TX 79567, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Poe Chapel (approx. 3.7 miles away); Community of Pumphrey (approx. 6.4 miles away); Townsite of Marie (approx. 7.2 miles away); Town of Norton (approx. 7.4 miles away); St. John's Lutheran Church (approx. 8.6 miles away); Fort Chadbourne (approx. 8.8 miles away); Route of the Southern Overland Mail Line (approx. 8.8 miles away); Old Cotton Oil Mill (approx. 9.1 miles away).
Also see . . . Wilmeth, TX. From the Texas State Historical Association’s “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on March 25, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 452 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 25, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.