Near Mingus in Erath County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Thurber

Photographed by Gary Estep, January 3, 2026

1. Thurber Marker

Inscription. Most important mine site in Texas for 30 years. Coal here, probably known to Indians, was “discovered” in 1886 by W.W. Johnson, who with his brother Harvey sold out to Texas & Pacific Coal Company in 1888. (T.&P. Coal Company provided fuel for the Texas & Pacific Railroad, but was independently owned.)
     Town was named for H.K. Thurber, friend of T.&P. Coal Company founders. Most dynamic firm member was Robert D. Hunter (1833-1902), developer of 7 of 15 mines. Next president was E.L. Marston, Hunter’s son-in-law, who left mining largely to William K. Gordon (1862-1949), an engineer who brought daily production to 3,000 tons.
     Then in 1917, Gordon (backed by management of coal company) was primarily responsible for discovery of Ranger oil field, 20 miles west. Adoption of oil-burning railway locomotives cut demand for coal. Last mine here closed in 1921, and the 10,000 or more inhabitants of Thurber began to move away.
     The coal firm changed its name to Texas Pacific Coal and Oil Company and was sold in 1963 to Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc., for $277,000,000.00. Renamed Texas Pacific Oil Company,

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it is now one of the largest domestic energy suppliers. Much coal (by estimate 127,000,000 tons) remains underground.

Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5486.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 32° 30.465′ N, 98° 24.96′ W. Marker is near Mingus, Texas, in Erath County. It can be reached from Private Road 741 0.1 miles north of Texas Highway 108, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mingus TX 76463, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 walking distance of this marker: Evolution of an Oil Company

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 22, 2015

2. Thurber Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Hotel Knox and Thurber Mining Office (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); New York Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Thurber's First Coal Mine (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Thurber Brick Plant (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Barbara's Catholic Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Thurber Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Whitehead Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mingus.

Also see . . .
1. Thurber, TX. From the Texas State Historical Association’s “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on September 14, 2015.)

2. Thurber: Thriving ... Then Gone. From the Texas Co-op Power online community. (Submitted on September 14, 2015.)

Thurber and Evolution of an Oil Company Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 22, 2015

3. Thurber and Evolution of an Oil Company Markers

Texas & Pacific Coal Company Smokestack image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 22, 2015

4. Texas & Pacific Coal Company Smokestack

Smokestack constructed in 1908

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 22, 2015

5. Texas & Pacific Coal Company Smokestack

View to north from I-20 Frontage Road

View of Site of Downtown Thurber from New York Hill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

6. View of Site of Downtown Thurber from New York Hill

<i>Thurber, Texas</i> image. Click for full size.

Postcard published by the Leighton and Valentine Co., New York City, circa 1908

7. Thurber, Texas

1888-1933 Downtown Thurber Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

8. 1888-1933 Downtown Thurber Map

This map is located behind the New York Hill Restaurant

Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,507 times since then and 107 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 3, 2026, by Gary Estep of Anna, Texas. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 14, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 6. submitted on February 4, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 7. submitted on February 4, 2018. 8. submitted on February 4, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.