Near Justiceburg in Garza County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Llano Estacado
The Cap Rock Escarpment is the result of surface erosion that began in the early pleistocene period some 750,000 years ago. Composed of tough caliche, the Cap Rock has protected the softer materials underlying it, thus resisting the erosive factors with varying success. The escarpment begins in Borden County 25 miles south of this point and extends northward in a sweeping arc 170 miles into the Texas Panhandle. It rises from 300 feet to 1,000 feet above the lower plains at its base, giving the impression of having been thrust upward out of the surrounding land.
First white man to visit the Great Plains was the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Coronado who crossed them in 1541 on his search for the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola. He was especially impressed by the sea of grass which covered the soil so completely that the tracks of his expedition left no permanent mark. The Spaniards, it is said, staked their route so they would be guided on the return-trip-- hence the term "staked" plains.
Because of the scarcity of surface water, the Llano was generally shunned by buffalo and Indians until the encroachment of settlers in the lower areas drove them onto it. The native grasses supported an immense ranching empire following the extinction of the buffalo. More recently the Llano has become one of the nation's leading cotton, wheat and grain sorghum producing areas.
Erected 1963 by Texas Highway Department. (Marker Number 3106.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1541.
Location. 33° 6.175′ N, 101° 15.7′ W. Marker is near Justiceburg, Texas, in Garza County. Marker is on U.S. 84, 0.4 miles County Road 298, on the right when traveling south. Located at southern end of highway rest area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Justiceburg TX 79330, 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. The Brazos River in Justiceburg (approx. 5.3 miles away); Terrace Cemetery Gateway (approx. 8.2 miles away); Terrace Cemetery (approx. 8.2 miles away); Post (approx. 8.6 miles away); Postex Cotton Mill (approx. 8.7 miles away); Garza County (approx. 8.8 miles away); Post Santa Fe Depot (approx. 8.9 miles away); The Post-Hundley House (approx. 9.2 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia article on Llano Estacado. (Submitted on September 21, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Texas State Historical Association article. (Submitted on September 21, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 809 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 21, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.