On Grand Avenue west of Houston Street, on the right when traveling west.
Army engineers laid out a military road in this area in 1850. By 1855 thirty to forty families had settled in the vicinity. Comanche County was created in 1856, and Comanche became the second county seat in 1859. Its citizens, who entertained . . . — — Map (db m72309) HM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) near Houston Street, on the right when traveling west.
A City-County Beautification Project sponsored by the Comanche County Bicentennial Committee featuring state historical markers and stone columns from 1890 county courthouse which were donated by the descendants of E.E. Anthony.
Park . . . — — Map (db m72303) HM
Near West Central Avenue near North Houston Street, on the right when traveling west.
Commissioners court minutes of 3-17-1872 ordered Jo G Hardin, County Treasurer "To solicit donations to build a jail on Lot 12, Block 7, orig. addn, Comanche jail house shall be 14' x 20', a partition dividing it into rooms." The building, called . . . — — Map (db m125943) HM
On North Austin Street (State Highway 16) at East College Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Austin Street.
In 1855, Dr. G.W. Montgomery came to Comanche from Mississippi. He built a log cabin near his home, holding religious services there. In the late 1860s and 1870s the building was used for both a church and a school. It is believed that most . . . — — Map (db m181876) HM
On West Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) near Texas Highway 36, on the right when traveling west.
First settled in 1854 by five families, the county, created and organized 1856, was named for Comanche Indians, Lords of Texas frontier, who were losing hunting grounds to settlers.
First county seat was Cora. Comanche has been county seat . . . — — Map (db m98274) HM
On Moorman Road at Hillcrest Street, on the left when traveling west on Moorman Road.
During the Civil War, wrote poems Texans memorized, cut out of newspapers, sent their boys on the battlefront: about the deaths of heroes, Texans' units, Confederate victories and such topics. She also did social work and nursing at Camp Ford, . . . — — Map (db m220769) HM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) at Austin Street, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
Side A
Not for fame or reward, not for place or rank, not lured by ambition or goaded by necessity but in simple obedience to duty as they understood it. For four weary years these brave men suffered all, sacrificed all, dared all, and . . . — — Map (db m72290) WM
On Houston Street north of Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377), on the left when traveling north.
In 1874 there were 2 buildings located at this site, a grocery store owned by J. B. Green and a saloon owned by M. T. Overstreet. In 1889 W. M. Reese established the William Reese Drug Company, described as the largest drugstore between Fort . . . — — Map (db m72305) HM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) at Houston Street, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
Camped here in 1854 with his father, young Martin V. Fleming hid behind this tree and saved himself when hostile Indians rode through the grove. Years later paving contractors started to cut the oak, but were stopped by "Uncle Mart" with his . . . — — Map (db m72294) HM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) at Houston Street, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
Born in Connecticut. Graduated at 19 from Yale. Studied medicine in France, where friends were Revolutionary War hero Lafayette and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse. As a North Carolina doctor he later took interest in politics and government.
Came . . . — — Map (db m72293) HM
A member of Stephen F. Austin's Colony, George Washington Gentry came to Texas in 1835 with his father and brother. Settling what is now Washington County, he worked as a farmer and surveyor. He participated in the Texas Revolution, several Indian . . . — — Map (db m158029) HM
On Houston Street at Grand Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Houston Street.
The original title to this property was given to John Carnes by Comanche County in Feb. 1860. The first structure appearing around 1873 deeded to George L. Wright then to W.J. McLean. From McLean to John Elliott and B.F. Wright in Dec. 1876. The . . . — — Map (db m72308) HM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/277) at Houston Street, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
One of boldest depredations in Texas history, made in May 1861, during the "Bright Moon." A braying mule wakened town after nearly all horses were stolen. Citizens spent rest of night molding bullets. Pursuit began at dawn, under command of . . . — — Map (db m72295) HM
On North Austin Street (State Highway 16) near West Grand Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
Jo G Hardin (1850-1884) came to Comanche in 1872 about the same time as he and John Wesley's father, preacher Hardin moved to Comanche. He married Belle Adams and bought block 8 of original town survey which was the SE corner of the square. They . . . — — Map (db m158047) HM
On North Austin Street (State Highway 16) at West Grand Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Austin Street.
John Wesley Hardin was not an outlaw; he was, however, a killer. It began with the accidental killing of an ex-slave during the time of one of the most corrupt administrations to ever occupy the governor's office, Hardin was 15 years old when the . . . — — Map (db m158040) HM
Deputy U. S. Marshal : Pursued Dee and James Bailey for passing counterfeit quarters in Comanche. After 10 mile chase, he captured and disarmed brothers. Catching Greene off guard (because of an unruly horse), one prisoner took Greene's rifle and . . . — — Map (db m158030) HM
On South Austin Street (State Highway 16) at East Pecan Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South Austin Street.
James Madison McCrary (1845-1932) came to Comanche about 1870. With his father and brother he operated a mercantile on the town square and began the county's first cotton gin. He married Ella Griffith in 1872 and began construction of this house . . . — — Map (db m181869) HM
On Bryan Street near East Cedar Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Reconfiguration of Comanche County by the State in 1858 led to a relocation of its county seat. In 1859 local land developer Captain John Duncan donated 200 acres here for a townsite to serve as Comanche County seat. Duncan's deed specified that . . . — — Map (db m158031) HM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) at Houston Street, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
Soon after the creation of Comanche County in 1856, the town of Cora (10 mi. SE) was platted to serve as the county seat. The courthouse in Cora, typical of many early Texas courthouses, was a 12' 7" x 12' 10", one-room, squared log structure. . . . — — Map (db m72304) HM
On West Central Avenue west of South 9th Street, on the right when traveling west.
Surveyed in 1850 by Army engineers, this was the first wagon road to penetrate this area. Point of origin was San Antonio, site of U.S. Army District Headquarters after annexation of Texas in 1846.
This segment of road extended from Fort Gates . . . — — Map (db m173689) HM
On North Austin Street (State Highway 16) at West Grand Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Austin Street.
The Hardin family first arrived in Comanche, TX in 1872 when John Wesley's father, Preacher James Gibson Hardin moved his family here from Mt. Calm, TX. By this time John Wesley's brother Jo G and sister Lizzie had already married. Johns other . . . — — Map (db m158043) HM
On Houston Street north of Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377), on the left when traveling north.
William Martin and D. C. Byrne constructed this building in March of 1881. It was sold in September of 1881 to Hill, Moore and Co. for $2000.00. W. R. Slider sold the property to Harry Brin in 1914 for $5000.00 in cash. Mr. Brin established the . . . — — Map (db m72306) HM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) at Houston Street, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
Robert Thomas Hill began life on August 11, 1858, in the aristocratic comforts of his parents' Nashville, Tennessee, home. His family, however, suffered tragic losses during the Civil War and by 1864 young Robert was an orphan living in his . . . — — Map (db m72292) HM
On Houston Street at Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Houston Street.
Royal King was 17 months old in 1944 when Earl Albin and Jack Whiteside of Comanche, Texas, bought the colt for $250 from breeder Felton Smathers of Llano, Texas. Royal King was by King P-234 and out of Rocket (later registered as Rocket . . . — — Map (db m72310) HM
On Grand Avenue at Austin Street, on the right when traveling west on Grand Avenue.
On May 26, 1874 John Wesley Hardin came to Comanche for a second short visit with his parents preacher James Gipson Hardin and Mary Elizabeth Dixson Hardin to celebrate his 21st birthday and to race Rondo a horse he had purchased in Comanche in . . . — — Map (db m72313) HM
Settled 1874 by W. A. Gill (1843-1889), son of W. S. Gill, hero of Battle of San Jacinto. W. A. fought in Civil War and was a Captain in the Texas Rangers. His sons E. V. and Fleet lived here for many years. Remains in this family plot were moved . . . — — Map (db m212093) HM
On North Austin Street (State Highway 16) at East Paine Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Austin Street.
The earliest Episcopal worship services in the Comanche area were conducted in the late 1870s by Bishop Alexander C. Garrett of Dallas. In 1886, soon after the organization of the St. Matthews congregation, work began on this frame building. . . . — — Map (db m181867) HM
On Moorman Road at Hillcrest Street, on the left when traveling west on Moorman Road.
Born in Talladega, Alabama, in April 1842, Thomas Oscar (T.O.)
Moore was a civic leader in Comanche. After Moore's father's
business failed in 1854, the family moved to Texas, settling in
Hays County in 1855. By the fall of 1857, the family had . . . — — Map (db m220770) HM
On North Austin Street (State Highway 16) at West Grand Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Austin Street.
Texas Longhorn is a breed of cattle known for its characteristic horns, which can extend to over 6ft tip to tip for bulls and 7ft for steers. They can be any color or mix of colors, but dark red and white are the most dominant. They are . . . — — Map (db m158049) HM
On North Austin Street at West Central Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Austin Street.
The buffalo were essential to the plains Indians. Native Americans used the bison for food and clothing, shelter, tools and ceremonial implements - nearly everything to survive physically and spiritually. Before their near extermination, an . . . — — Map (db m125929) HM
On Houston Street south of Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377), on the left when traveling north.
The original building on this site was erected in May 1873. A deed of trust from Martha and G L Wright was given to a Mr. Crow from Stephenville, TX. In February 1874 James Buchanan paid G L Wright $850.00 in gold coins for the property. The . . . — — Map (db m72307) HM
On North Austin Street (State Highway 16) at West Central Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Austin Street.
The Comanche emerged as a distinct group around 1680 when they broke off from the Shoshone People of Wyoming and acquired horses from the Pueblo Indians after the Pueblo revolt. They were so skillful in horsemanship that they had no equal. They . . . — — Map (db m158033) HM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) at Austin Street, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
Dedicated in memory
of all veterans
who served honorably
in the Armed Forces of the
United States of America
Dedicated May 28, 1989 — — Map (db m72289) WM
On Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377) at Houston Street, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
1859 first courthouse built near Fleming Oak at SW cor Sq was of slim log poles set on end (as a picket fence) with dirt floor & plank roof. The hand dug well was to furnish water to courthouse & public. As buildings burned on N side Sq in 1868 . . . — — Map (db m72291) HM
On County Highway 410A at County Highway 411, on the right when traveling south on County Highway 410A.
Second oldest Missionary Baptist church in county. Organized by C. S. Fritts, J. M. Lumpkin, Dennis O'Brian, Sarah Fritts, Jane O'Brian, Sarah Lumpkin, Stacy Martin and Mary E. Hardin, August 2, 1873, at Zion Hill Cemetery (1/2 mi. W.). First frame . . . — — Map (db m200902) HM
On North Texas Street (State Highway 16) at West LaSalle Street, on the left when traveling south on North Texas Street.
Cotton was the major cash crop for farmers in Comanche County until the early 20th century. The combined effects of disastrous weather conditions in 1908-09, a national economic downturn, and a major infestation of the Mexican Boll Weevil in 1914 . . . — — Map (db m161904) HM
On East Navarro Avenue (State Highway 6) just east of Festival Lane, on the right when traveling west.
Frances Marie Sparks, a native of North Carolina and daughter of Daniel and Kezziah Sparks, married Thomas Brown in 1865. They lived in Grayson County, Texas, before moving to a 410 - acre farm near here about 1876. During the 1880s and 1890s . . . — — Map (db m161895) HM
On North Texas Street (State Highway 16) at West LaSalle Street, on the left when traveling north on North Texas Street.
Railroad construction in Texas, interrupted by the Civil War and by the national economic depression of the early 1870s, began a period of recovery in the late 1870s and early 1880s. Chartered on May 31, 1879, the Texas Central Railway was owned . . . — — Map (db m161909) HM
On 36th Division Memorial Highway (State Highway 36) just west of West Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
Founded 1854, as Troy. Later renamed in honor of a Miss Beeman of Bell County. In 1856 organization of Comanche County — then extending farther south and east than today's boundaries — Cora became county seat. A log cabin residence in . . . — — Map (db m162144) HM
On County Highway 360, 0.3 miles north of 36th Division Memorial Highway (State Highway 36), on the right when traveling north.
The community of Evergreen began to take shape in the late 1860s. A small strip of land was donated for a community cemetery in 1885 when Mrs. W.F. Hampton was the first recorded person to be interred on this site. A post office was established in . . . — — Map (db m162156) HM
On 36th Division Memorial Highway (State Highway 36) at West Main Street, on the left when traveling east on 36th Division Memorial Highway.
Settlers began arriving in this area of Comanche County in the 1870s. Among the pioneers were members of the Blankenship family, who inherited land granted to brothers Christopher and A.K. Clark for Republic of Texas military service. The first . . . — — Map (db m162148) HM
On U.S. 377 at County Highway 317, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 377.
Began as "Cordwood Junction", siding on the Fort Worth & Rio Grande Railroad. Flatcars loaded wood here to be shipped over a wide area. As demand for the fuel increased, the railroad built a station house at site.
It was named in 1892 for O.H. . . . — — Map (db m184463) HM
On 36th Division Memorial Highway (State Highway 36) 0.1 miles south of County Road 286, on the right when traveling south.
Originally established 1870, one-half mile north on banks of the Leon river. Named for George Lamkin, donor of land for townsite. Business firms included general store, blacksmith shop, gin, post office and drugstore. Despite several floods and . . . — — Map (db m162190) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1476, 0.4 miles east of State Highway 16, on the left when traveling east.
Pioneer settlers of this area of Comanche County arrived in the mid-1850s and established a town named for the nearby South Leon River. P.W. Brewer set aside land for a cemetery and church in 1872. Although earlier unmarked burials exist here, the . . . — — Map (db m200867) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1476, 0.4 miles east of State Highway 16, on the left when traveling east.
First Baptist church formed in Comanche County. Organized by the Rev. Richard Howard and 8 charter members, under a brush arbor built here, 1857. Early services were held in a log schoolhouse (300 ft. W). Later, combination church-school was built . . . — — Map (db m200848) HM
On Farm to Market Road 589 at Farm to Market Road 1689, on the left when traveling north on Highway 589.
Began about 1870 when William Yarborough and J.A. Wright, early settlers, located on Jimmie's Creek. As a community developed, the settlers built a log schoolhouse near a spring, in 1877. W.D. Cox was the first teacher. The Methodist Church was . . . — — Map (db m162105) HM
Near Cox Cemetery Road, 0.2 miles south of Farm to Market Road 589.
William Driscol Cox (1839-97) and his wife Amanda (Shugart) moved with their family from Tennessee to Texas in 1872. Cox taught in Robertson County then (1876) bought and moved to a 300-acre ranch at this site. He taught the first school in Sidney . . . — — Map (db m162130) HM
On County Highway 157, 0.4 miles east of Farm to Market Road 1689, on the left when traveling east.
Pioneer farmer and rancher William Pendergrass (1818-98) and his wife, Emaline (1819 -1907), moved from Tennessee to Smith County, Texas, in 1849. They first came to Comanche County in 1859, then settled here permanently after a brief return to . . . — — Map (db m162139) HM
