Amarillo in Potter County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Wild Horse Lake
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 19, 2015
1. Wild Horse Lake Marker
Inscription.
Wild Horse Lake. . At various times this playa lake served as a reliable water source for buffalo, wild horses, nomadic Native Americans, explorers, cattle drivers, traders, and pioneers traversing the high plains. The lake area, also called Amarillo Lake, became the original townsite of Amarillo in 1887. Frequent flooding caused the town's relocation to higher ground one mile east of here by 1890. Amarillo developed there to become the cattle and agricultural railroad shipping center of the Texas high plains region. Modern development has diverted the lake's natural drainage system and reduced its size.
At various times this playa lake served as a reliable water source for buffalo, wild horses, nomadic Native Americans, explorers, cattle drivers, traders, and pioneers traversing the high plains. The lake area, also called Amarillo Lake, became the original townsite of Amarillo in 1887. Frequent flooding caused the town's relocation to higher ground one mile east of here by 1890. Amarillo developed there to become the cattle and agricultural railroad shipping center of the Texas high plains region. Modern development has diverted the lake's natural drainage system and reduced its size.
Erected 1994 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5810.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 35° 13.292′ N, 101° 50.993′ W. Marker is in Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. Marker is on Amarillo Boulevard, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the south access road of Amarillo Boulevard, or Old Route 66, about .1 mile west of intersection of Amarillo Boulevard and Travis Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Amarillo TX 79107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,592 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.
