Dimmitt in Castro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Shoot-out on Jones Street

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, September 20, 2025

1. Shoot-out on Jones Street Marker

Inscription. At an 1891 meeting to discuss the selection of a Castro County seat, words were exchanged between Ira Aten, a retired Texas Ranger speaking on behalf of Castro City, and Andrew McClelland, a spokesman for Dimmitt. The inflammatory remarks led to a gunfight between the two men on December 23, five days after Dimmitt was chosen county seat. In an exchange of shots in the middle of Jones Street, Aten wounded Andrew McClelland and his brother Hugh. Aten was acquitted of the assault charges and a short time later was appointed Castro County Sheriff.

Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4689.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is December 23, 1891.

Location. 34° 32.999′ N, 102° 18.721′ W. Marker is in Dimmitt, Texas, in Castro County. It is at the intersection of East Jones Street and South Broadway, on the right when traveling west on East Jones Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dimmitt TX 79027, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, 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 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Castro County Courthouses (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quanah Parker Trail (about 300 feet away); Gilbreath-Cowsert House

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(approx. half a mile away); Summerfield-Dameron Corner (approx. 5.6 miles away); The J. W. Carter Family and the 7-Up Ranch (approx. 12.8 miles away); Spring Lake Pasture Division of the XIT Ranch (approx. 13 miles away); Prisoner of War Camp Chapel (approx. 13.7 miles away); P.O.W. Camp Chapel (approx. 15 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dimmitt.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 17, 2015

2. Shoot-out on Jones Street Marker

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 17, 2015

3. Shoot-out on Jones Street Marker

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 17, 2015

4. Shoot-out on Jones Street Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 893 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 13, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 30, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.