Claude in Armstrong County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Great Panhandle Indian Scare of 1891

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, September 21, 2025

1. The Great Panhandle Indian Scare of 1891 Marker

Inscription. Although most Indians had left the Texas Panhandle by the 1880s, fear of Indian attacks was still prevalent among settlers who arrived in the next decade. On Jan. 29, 1891, rumors of approaching Indians spread throughout the entire region. For three days settlers barricaded their homes and communities and prepared to defend themselves. Later it was discovered that the rumored Indian war cries and smoke signals were actually cowboys in pursuit of a steer they finally caught and cooked over an open fire.

Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2263.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is January 29, 1891.

Location. 35° 6.575′ N, 101° 21.532′ W. Marker is in Claude, Texas, in Armstrong County. It is at the intersection of 1st Street (U.S. 287) and Trice Street, on the left when traveling west on 1st Street. Located at the Armstrong County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Trice Street, Claude TX 79019, 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 walking distance of this marker: Boy Scout Troop No. 17 (here, next to this marker); Charles Howard Roan (here, next to this marker); Town of Claude

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(here, next to this marker); Route of Coronado Expedition (here, next to this marker); Dr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Warner (here, next to this marker); Armstrong County (a few steps from this marker); "The Claude News" (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Sheriffs (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claude.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016

2. The Great Panhandle Indian Scare of 1891 Marker

Marker located at the Armstrong County Courthouse (2nd from right). image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016

3. Marker located at the Armstrong County Courthouse (2nd from right).

Armstrong County Courthouse - location of this marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016

4. Armstrong County Courthouse - location of this marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,577 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 13, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.