On Georgia Route 93 at Stage Coach Road, on the right when traveling east on State Route 93.
Named for the nearby cypress swamp, stood here along the Albany to Thomasville section of the Florida Stage Coach Road from the 1840 to the 1880’s. A stage relay station, the Byrd Crawford Inn, Turpin’s General Store, a blacksmith shop, post office . . . — — Map (db m118518) HM
On West Broad Street at North Court Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Broad Street.
In one of the most violent episodes in Reconstruction Georgia, a rally in Mitchell County in September 1868 resulted in about a dozen freedmen being killed and several dozen wounded. Georgia had been re-admitted to the United States just two . . . — — Map (db m218685) HM
On West Broad Street (Georgia Route 37) at North Court Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Broad Street.
The county was created by an Act of the Georgia Legislature on Dec. 21, 1857. Some historians say that the county was named for David B. Mitchell, Governor of Georgia in 1809-13 and again in 1815-17, and that Camilla was named for his daughter. . . . — — Map (db m27094) HM
On West Broad Street at North Harney Street, on the right when traveling west on West Broad Street.
Honoring all who served and dedicated to the memory of those from Mitchell County who made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom of all men from oppression
Korean War
1950 — 1953
{Honor roll of dead}
World War I . . . — — Map (db m117197) WM
On North Court Avenue at West Broad Street (Georgia Route 37), on the right when traveling north on North Court Avenue.
This artesian well was drilled in 1880. It provided an unlimited supply of pure water and became a gathering place for Camilla’s citizens. When a water system was installed, the City Well lost its usefulness. Through the efforts of the Cherokee . . . — — Map (db m218682) HM
On East Broad Street (Georgia Route 37) at Railroad Street, on the left when traveling east on East Broad Street.
In memory of the lives lost in the St. Valentine’s Day Tornados February 14, 2000 Guadalupe Cervantes, Gloria Jean Eglinton, Emma Hallman John Edward Hancock, Kylie Rae Harrell, Shannon Harrell Ryasia Hayward, Willie Hurst, Antholyn . . . — — Map (db m190996) HM
On West Broad Street (Georgia Route 37) west of Butler Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Spirit of Camilla engine was built by Baldwin of Eddystone, PA, for Brooks-Scalon Corp., a lumber company in Foley, FL, and delivered in April 1925. Designated Engine #9, the oil-fired engine was later purchased by Foley Lumber Co., which sold . . . — — Map (db m172790) HM
On Mathewson Avenue Southwest just east of Church Street Southwest (State Highway 93), on the right when traveling east.
Named in honor of J.B. Neuhauser III for his dedicated service to the citizens of the city of Pelham. He served as councilman from 1982 to 1986 and 1990 to 1996. Mayor Chester Shelnutt Council Members Mayor Pro-tem Joe Caldwell Robert McPherson . . . — — Map (db m227396) HM
Near Zinnia Avenue at 460th Street, on the right when traveling north.
This bell has called people to God’s house to worship since 1869. It was first purchased and used by First Lutheran Church of St. Ansgar. In 1893 they gave it to Deer Creek Lutheran Church where it continued its call of worship across the . . . — — Map (db m16939) HM
Near 456th Street, 0.8 miles east of Zinnia Avenue (County Highway S68), on the right when traveling east.
Built in 1867 by Nils Severson on his land with help of neighbor's using limestone and mortar of lime & sand from Deer Creek. Severson's design was a typical fort with small openings for rifles and larger openings for gatling guns. The Spirit . . . — — Map (db m9547) HM
On Spring Park Road, 1 mile south of State Highway 9.
In early Osage, people went on camping trips to Nim's ford. This was about ten to twelve miles south of town on the Cedar River. Equipped with tents and provisions, the family might camp out for a week or more.
Some of the Osage campers . . . — — Map (db m142115) HM
Near U.S. 24 at North Walnut Street, on the left when traveling west.
The history of this rural, one-room schoolhouse began in 1874. That year, local citizens built the one-room Honey Creek School, originally painted white, located two miles east and three miles south of Glen Elder. The building served to educate . . . — — Map (db m212974) HM
On South Hersey Avenue (State Highway 14) at East Main Street, on the right when traveling north on South Hersey Avenue.
In deep appreciation of the sacrifices made by the Men and Women of Mitchell County who served in World Wars I and II, we, the citizens of Mitchell County, dedicate this memorial. May 31, 1948 — — Map (db m212924) WM
On Wisconsin Street (U.S. 24) west of Lake Drive, on the right when traveling west.
History
Cawker City was founded in 1870 by four men, who played a poker game to see who the town would be named after.
The winner, Colonel E. H. Cawker, built the first house in town. The town was incorporated on March 20, 1874, and grew . . . — — Map (db m123737) HM
On U.S. 24, 2 miles east of Cawker City, on the right when traveling east. Reported missing.
Many moons ago, so runs an Indian legend, Waconda, a beautiful Princess, fell in love with a brave of another tribe. Prevented from marriage by a blood feud, this warrior embroiled the tribes in battle. During the fight an arrow struck him as he . . . — — Map (db m123009) HM
On Wisconsin Street (U.S. 24) 2.3 miles east of Ash Street, on the right when traveling east.
American Indians considered Waconda Springs a sacred site. Translated similarly by other tribes, the name comes from a Kaw word meaning "Great Spirit." The legend tells of the beautiful Waconda who fell in love with the warrior Takota from a . . . — — Map (db m123034) HM
Welcome Visitors
Waconda Springs was said to be known to Native Americans as a ceremonial meeting place for the tribes documented to have used the area. The known tribes are: The Arickanees, Wichita, Sioux, Osage, Kiowas, Arapahoes, . . . — — Map (db m53424) HM
On Crimson Laurel Way (State Highway 226) at Hemlock Drive, on the right when traveling south on Crimson Laurel Way.
French botanist, pioneer in studying flora of western North Carolina, visited Roan Mountain, 12 miles north, August 16, 1794, & May 6, 1795. — — Map (db m84685) HM
On Crimson Laurel Way (State Highway 226) at North Mitchell Avenue (State Highway 1211), on the left when traveling south on Crimson Laurel Way.
American botanist and Harvard professor. In July, 1841, investigated flora of this region. He visited Roan Mountain, 12 miles north. — — Map (db m84684) HM
On State Highway 226 at Penland Road (County Route 1242), on the left when traveling north on State Highway 226.
Founded 1929 by Lucy Morgan (1889-1981) to promote traditional crafts including pottery, metal-working, and weaving. Campus 1 mile S.W. — — Map (db m79446) HM
Near Parkway Maintenance Road, 0.2 miles west of State Highway 226, on the left when traveling west.
Rededicated on September 29th, 1980
to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the heroic march
of the "Over the Mountain Men."
When American independence looked hopeless
a citizen army marched thru this mountain gap
to challenge British . . . — — Map (db m138466) HM WM
On Blue Ridge Parkway (at milepost 327.3), 0.2 miles east of Altapass Highway, on the left when traveling south.
The scenic mountain highway idea originated long before the Blue Ridge Parkway project began. In 1906, Joseph Hyde Pratt, North Carolina's State Geologist, proposed a toll road following the crest of the Ridge mountains from Marion, Virginia to . . . — — Map (db m140600) HM
Near Parkway Maintenance Road, 0.1 miles west of State Highway 226, on the left when traveling west.
On Friday, September 29, 1780, a large part of the American Army passed this spot, under command of Colonels William Campbell, Isaac Shelby and John Sevier. On their march to the battle of King's Mountain, where the British and Tory forces, . . . — — Map (db m138478) HM WM
On Locust Street west of Crystal Street, on the right when traveling east.
The men of Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina on their way from Sycamore Shoals to King's Mountain encamped on the third night of their march.
September 28, 1780 — — Map (db m234304) HM
On Locust Street at East 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north on Locust Street.
Outgrowth of 1882 worship by laymen (mostly sheep-ranching Englishmen). Organized 1883 by The Rt. Rev. A.C. Garrett, pioneer Episcopal Bishop of Dallas, who listed this as "Grace Mission", with eight communicants.
With some assistance from New . . . — — Map (db m120154) HM
On Walnut STreet at West Main Street, on the right when traveling south on Walnut STreet.
First called the Colorado Hotel
opened March 12, 1927
cost to build $225,000.00
Considered one of the finest hotels in West Texas
Opened with a cabaret style ball.
Took its last guest 1970 — — Map (db m194550) HM
Near Locust Street at East 3rd Street, on the left when traveling north.
These tracks, originally formed in soft dirt, are taken from an ancient buffalo trail which once guided herds to water at Champion Creek (6 miles south).
Thousands of buffalo running single file pounded trails like this deep into the ground. . . . — — Map (db m73334) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1229, 2.6 miles south of State Highway 350, on the right when traveling south.
Completion of The Westbrook Field T&P No. 1 oil well in 1920 signaled the beginning of commercial oil production in the Permian Basin. In the rush of oil activity that followed, the P.C. Coleman No. 1 Well was drilled on land owned by Dr. Preston C. . . . — — Map (db m119694) HM
Near State Highway 208, 0.5 miles south of Westpoint Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
In response to the need for a water supply system for Colorado, as this town was then known, the city's governing body issued waterwork bonds in 1884. The bond money was used to build this standpipe and to lay mains through which the city's water . . . — — Map (db m119817) HM
On Walnut Street, on the right when traveling south.
Built by Colorado Opera House Company, 1899-1900; second opera house in city, then cultural center of West Texas. Staged light opera, vaudeville, silent movies (after 1911); also hosted school programs.
Converted to boarding house in 1925, it . . . — — Map (db m120284) HM
On West 2nd Street, 0.2 miles west of Cherry Street, on the left when traveling west.
In 1924, L. H. Pritchard and J. Steve Anderson opened West Texas Refinery Company just west of Colorado City to process Mitchell County oil. Ownership soon changed to Standard Oil of California, which renamed the company Col-Tex Refining. From the . . . — — Map (db m120409) HM
Near Houston Street at East 7th Street, on the right when traveling north.
In this vicinity
on a bank of the Colorado
October 21, 1840
a Comanche Indian village
was completely destroyed and much
stolen property recovered
including 500 horses
128 Indians were killed
34 were captured
The expedition . . . — — Map (db m73318) HM
Born in Tennessee. Graduated from University of Louisville (Ky.). Coming in 1883 to Colorado City, rode horseback or by buggy to ranches in 100-mile radius, practicing here rest of his life.
Religion, medicine, and education were his chief . . . — — Map (db m120153) HM
On East 3rd Street at Hickory Street, on the right when traveling west on East 3rd Street.
Built 1890 by H.D. Shepperd. Sold, 1899 to Martin Dies, Sr. Birthplace of Martin Dies, Jr., famous U.S. Congressman.
Home of colorful early-day ranch couple, G.W. and Alice Garrett Plaster, Mitchell County ranchers for over fifty years.
. . . — — Map (db m120155) HM
On Chestnut Street at East 3rd Street, on the left when traveling north on Chestnut Street.
Founded as a mission station in 1881 by The Rev. George W. Baines (1809-1882), a former President of Baylor University and in 1880s a Baptist State Convention agent. The Rev. Peter Turner, an Englishmen, organized the church in 1882. . . . — — Map (db m120278) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1229, 8.8 miles south of State Highway 350, on the right when traveling south.
Site given by John J. Handley (1842-1935), Confederate veteran who settled here in 1892, after living earlier in Georgia and in Smith and Comanche Counties, Texas. A farmer, he lived to see agriculture rival ranching.
Teville (named for "T" . . . — — Map (db m119703) HM
On East 4th Street, on the left when traveling east.
A prominent rancher and banker, John C. Prude (1856-1924) came to Mitchell County before the turn of the century. In 1907 he hired J.E. (Gene) Pond to construct this spacious brick house. The wide overhangs and other horizontal lines demonstrate the . . . — — Map (db m120279) HM
On Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling south.
One of first brick houses here. Built 1883 by Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Hodgson, son-in-law and daughter of Gen. Tom Green, Texas hero. Later the home of Winfield Scott, millionaire rancher, and W.T. Scott, a promoter, T. & P. Railroad. Owned since 1902 by . . . — — Map (db m120283) HM
Created 1876, from Bexar District. Named for Asa Mitchell, a soldier in Battle of Velasco, 1832, and member of consultation of 1835, and Eli, his brother, a soldier in battle at Gonzales, 1835. Organized 1881. Colorado City, County Seat, was 1880's . . . — — Map (db m240195) HM
Settled after Indians left Texas in 1875. One of 128 counties created (Aug. 21, 1876) from Bexar Territory covering West Texas to the Panhandle and El Paso. Named for Mitchell Brothers, Asa and Eli, Texas War for Independence veterans. Organized . . . — — Map (db m240196) HM
On East 6th Street at Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling west on East 6th Street.
Built in 1899 by rancher F.E. McKenzie; Victorian architecture features porch columns with spool trim and decorative wood "awnings" over the windows.
Sold in 1900 to A.B. Robertson, rancher; in 1912, to D.N. Arnett, retired manager of the . . . — — Map (db m120282) HM
Near Westpoint Avenue west of State Highway 208 when traveling north.
Born in Georgia, migrated to Texas in the 1870's and joined the Texas Rangers in 1878.
Was noted for his part in gun battle with outlaw Sam Bass at Round Rock, where Bass had planned to rob the bank. It was Ware's bullet that gave Bass the . . . — — Map (db m119816) HM
On Houston Street at East 7th Street, on the right when traveling north on Houston Street.
Given to city 1929 in memory of pioneer William Penn Ruddick, farmer and dairyman, and Mrs. Ruddick.
History was made here even before Ruddick arrived, however. In 1840 Colonel John Henry Moore and 90 Indian fighters wiped out a Comanche . . . — — Map (db m73319) HM
On State Highway 208 at County Route 111, on the right when traveling south on State Highway 208.
This area, now covered by Lake Champion, was once the site of springs that originated from underground water which also supplied Champion Creek. They were called “wells” because the Seven Spring Basins closely resembled man-made wells.
Buffalo . . . — — Map (db m240197) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1229 at County Highway 220, on the right when traveling south on Highway 1229.
Founded in 1890 by D.T. Bozeman, teacher and merchant, on a Main Wagon Road, 16 miles northwest of Colorado (City).
Town was named for Bozeman's neighbor, T.T. Cuthbertson, first Postmaster was Mrs. Bozeman. A good well by Bozeman's General . . . — — Map (db m119701) HM
On West Main Street east of Oak Street, on the right when traveling east.
Rail service to Colorado City began on April 16, 1881, when a Texas & Pacific supply train arrived with materials for the construction of a freight and passenger depot in the town. Completed the following month at the foot of Oak Street, it was . . . — — Map (db m120406) HM
On West Main Street at Elm Street, on the right when traveling east on West Main Street.
Railroad made this "Cattle Capital of West Texas" in 1880s. Cattlemen Frank Byler, Clay Mann, Winfield Scott, C.C. Slaughter and others brought herds here early as 1877, when last of the buffalo were being exterminated. A Texas Ranger unit was . . . — — Map (db m120407) HM
On Chestnut Street at East 5th Street, on the right when traveling north on Chestnut Street.
On the second Sunday of January, 1881, The Rev. O.F. Rogers, a Presbyterian minister and school teacher from Mississippi, preached the first sermon ever heard in Colorado (City). The congregation met in a saloon, only large place in the tent town. . . . — — Map (db m120280) HM
Founded, 1880, at the crossing of the Colorado River and Texas & Pacific Railroad right-of-way; central shipping point and supply depot for the sprawling cattle ranches of West Texas and New Mexico.
From 1880 (when A.W. Dunn opened his . . . — — Map (db m120403) HM
On Farm to Market Road 2836 at County Highway 258, on the left when traveling north on Highway 2836.
Organized March, 1891, by Rev. J.W. Montgomery. First church built by J.M. Dorn and neighbors. All faiths worshipped here. Was also used as schoolhouse and community meeting place. Present church built 1905, and renamed Dorn Chapel. Planks over . . . — — Map (db m162021) HM
On County Road 424, 0.2 miles south of County Road 406, on the right when traveling south.
Born of slave parents, Victoria County. At 15 became a cowboy. Rode from Old Mexico to Kansas.
In 1877, came to this county riding for Clay Mann whose "80" brand gave him name for rest of life. On Mann's advice, bought land; past 25, and 6' 3" . . . — — Map (db m162076) HM
Near Interstate 20 at milepost 204, on the right when traveling west.
The first commercial discovery oil well in the Permian Basin was named for W.H. Abrams, leasing agent for the Texas and Pacific land trust. The well first produced oil in February 1920 at a depth of 450 feet; but in June 1920, a better showing of . . . — — Map (db m120414) HM
On Farm to Market Road 670, 0.4 miles south of Interstate 20, on the right when traveling south.
These two pioneer institutions, which began even before a town grew up here, were first housed in the same tiny, one-room building. The structure was erected in 1890 by local settlers when Westbrook was only a flag-stop on the Texas & Pacific Line. . . . — — Map (db m120410) HM
On Farm to Market Road 670, 0.4 miles south of Interstate 20, on the right when traveling south.
With Respect,
We dedicate this memorial to the courageous
men and women who have fought the battles
of this great nation.
With Gratitude,
We acknowledge the sacrifices
they make to protect our homeland.
With . . . — — Map (db m120412) WM
