Plainview in Hale County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Hackberry Groves
Birthplace of City of Plainview
On public domain, the site was unappropriated until mid-1880s when Zachary Taylor Maxwell (1848-1935), a sheep rancher, staked a quarter section claim here. Former Arkansas legislator Edwin L. Lowe, his friend, claimed adjacent 160 acres. They had surveyor R. P. Smyth plat public square half from Maxwell's land, half from Lowe's. Ranchers scoffed; one said he would eat everything ever built here. But claims were staked by others, including families of J. H. Bryan, J. C. Burch, J. M. Carter, Horace Griffin, Thornton Jones, Hugh McClelland, C. W. Marsalis, John Pendley, Poliet Smith, and J. W. Smylie. Jones opened a store. Lowe named town and became first postmaster on March 18, 1887.
When Hale County was organized in 1888, Plainview fulfilled dreams of its founders by becoming county seat. Lowe died July 13, 1889; Maxwell moved away, 1892. Pioneers continued to arrive, see the green trees and rich land, and settle nearby. Other men led city to obtain railroad and highway connections, develop trade and commerce and build enduring institutions.
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee . (Marker Number 2327.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #12 Zachary Taylor series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 18, 1887.
Location. 34° 10.8′ N, 101° 41.938′ W. Marker is in Plainview, Texas, in Hale County. Marker is on Cedar Street south of 2nd Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is in city park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Plainview TX 79072, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lamar School (approx. 0.3 miles away); General Ranald Slidell MacKenzie (approx. 0.4 miles away); Colonel C. C. Slaughter (approx. 0.4 miles away); Schick Opera House (approx. half a mile away); Texas Land & Development Company (approx. half a mile away); First Baptist Church of Plainview (approx. 0.6 miles away); Plainview Daily Herald (approx. 0.7 miles away); Green Machinery Co., Inc. (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Plainview.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 6, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.