Near Canyon in Randall County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Umbarger
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 3, 2012
1. Umbarger Marker
Inscription.
Umbarger. . In 1895, Civil War Veteran and farmer S.G. Umbarger established a wagon yard and sheds for travelers passing through this area. The area became known as Umbarger when the Pecos Valley Railroad, built in 1898, named a rail switch after him. By 1902, the community had a post office; in 1904, citizens established a public school district. German-Catholic families, brought to the area by Pius Friemel, established St. Mary's Church, or Marienkirche, in 1908. During World War II, Italian prisoners of war were held in nearby Hereford. A group of them, trained in Old World techniques, carved religious figures and painted the interior of the parish church, which remains a community center. (1968, 2003)
In 1895, Civil War Veteran and farmer S.G. Umbarger established a wagon yard and sheds for travelers passing through this area. The area became known as Umbarger when the Pecos Valley Railroad, built in 1898, named a rail switch after him. By 1902, the community had a post office; in 1904, citizens established a public school district. German-Catholic families, brought to the area by Pius Friemel, established St. Mary's Church, or Marienkirche, in 1908. During World War II, Italian prisoners of war were held in nearby Hereford. A group of them, trained in Old World techniques, carved religious figures and painted the interior of the parish church, which remains a community center. (1968, 2003)
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5591.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 34° 57.278′ N, 102° 6.343′ W. Marker is near Canyon, Texas, in Randall County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 60 and Storey Street, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 60. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canyon TX 79015, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Randall County (approx. 2.9 miles away); Town of Dawn
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 719 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
