Near Throckmorton in Throckmorton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Great Western Trail
Photographed by Duane Hall, March 23, 2016
1. Great Western Trail Marker
Inscription.
Great Western Trail. . Between 1874 and 1886, millions of cattle were driven up the Great Western Trail from south Texas to the midwestern U.S., where they were sent east to market by train. The Great Western surpassed the Chisholm Trail in both length and volume. The trail passed through Throckmorton County and had a major impact on its development. Many area ranches built herds from “drags” of the Western Trail; drovers sold or gave these cattle to ranchers because they were too weak or young to make the entire trek. Cattle ranching would become the major economic base in the county. Modern U.S. Highway 183 follows the exact route of the trail from Throckmorton to Seymour.
Between 1874 and 1886, millions of cattle were driven up the Great Western Trail from south Texas to the midwestern U.S., where they were sent east to market by train. The Great Western surpassed the Chisholm Trail in both length and volume. The trail passed through Throckmorton County and had a major impact on its development. Many area ranches built herds from “drags” of the Western Trail; drovers sold or gave these cattle to ranchers because they were too weak or young to make the entire trek. Cattle ranching would become the major economic base in the county. Modern U.S. Highway 183 follows the exact route of the trail from Throckmorton to Seymour.
Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15927.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 33° 12.824′ N, 99° 11.815′ W. Marker is near Throckmorton, Texas, in Throckmorton County. It is on U.S. 283 1.9 miles north of Texas Highway 79, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Throckmorton TX 76483, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Big Country. 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 Comancherνa, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Throckmorton County (approx. 1.8 miles away); Throckmorton County Jail
Also see . . . Western Trail. From the Texas State Historical Associations “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on March 27, 2016.)
Photographed by Duane Hall, March 23, 2016
2. Great Western Trail Marker
View to east from US 183/283
Photographed by Duane Hall, March 23, 2016
3. View to North on US 183/283
Marker is on right (east) side of highway
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,185 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 27, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
