Robert Lee in Coke County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Silver
Coke County Cattle, Oil and Gas Center
Photographed By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016
1. Silver Marker
A pioneer ranching center, settled about 1880. Early land owners included S.M. Conner, W.G. Jameson and W.R. Walker. Dr. J.E. Reed for 50 years was only physician here. R.B. Allen was outstanding civic leader.
Post office, named for peak nearby, was opened 1890 with Thomas J. Wiley postmaster.
School (2 mi. SW) was moved here and renamed Silver Peak.
Oil discovery, 1946, brought drilling, refining, employees’ camps, much growth. The town became busy oil-gas center.
After camps closed, 1966, the population declined.
Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 4695.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 31° 53.57′ N, 100° 29.281′ W. Marker is in Robert Lee, Texas, in Coke County. Marker is at the intersection of Chadbourne Street and W. 6th Street, on the right when traveling south on Chadbourne Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Robert Lee TX 76945, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Coke County Jail (here, next to this marker); Hayrick Lodge 696, A.F.&A.M. (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); County Named for Texas Confederate Richard Coke
this page online
More about this marker. Etched on the bottom border of the marker is “Erected in Memory of Silver Pioneers”.
Also see . . . Silver, TX. From the Texas State Historical Association’s “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on July 21, 2016.)
Additional commentary.
1. Original Location of Marker
The marker was originally located in the community of Silver, 18 miles northwest of Robert Lee on State Highway 208. The marker was subsequently moved to the County Jail museum site. However, there is an identical marker located one mile east of Silver at the intersection of SH 208 and Farm-to-Market Road 1672.
— Submitted July 21, 2016.
Photographed By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016
2. Silver and Coke County Jail Markers
Photographed By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016
3. 1907 Coke County Jail
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 624 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
