Spring Hill, settled in 1807, was a preaching place on the Ohoopee Circuit by 1814. In 1850 John Carmichael gave land for a campground. A tabernacle replaced the brush arbors about the church. Campmeetings continued seven decades. Clements Institute . . . — — Map (db m107059) HM
This County, created by Act of the Legislature Aug. 14, 1912, is named for Gen. Joseph Wheeler, famous Confederate Cavalry leader and Major General of Cavalry in the Spanish War. He twice saved Augusta from Kilpatrick's Union Cavalry, at . . . — — Map (db m23634) HM
Pibel Lake grew out of an 1897-1898 irrigation claim for water rights by Edwin Pibel, called Clear Creek Ditch. Three years earlier, a diversion dam had been placed across the creek to form a lake, but the irrigation ditch was eventually abandoned . . . — — Map (db m179426) HM
Born at Frankfort, Indiana in 1841, Julia came west with her parents in 1853.
She married Albert Henderson in 1858 and for many years they lived in nearby Fossil.
She died August 11, 1928.
Since 1900 the park has been the site for the . . . — — Map (db m101959) HM
Straining to scent a water source, searching for a tender leaf, sensing immediate danger – to live in this near-desert today, mule deer, coyotes, quail, and humans must possess special skills and abilities. Without them they cross the . . . — — Map (db m71701)
Volcanic ash can be gentle and fine enough to preserve a leaf’s structure in great detail. Nearby 34 million-year-old “Bridge Creek Flora” fossils reveal many species of an ancient, hardwood forest. This forest had a blend of trees found . . . — — Map (db m71700)
Northern Paiute Indians and a few mountain men were the only residents of the John Day Country before 1860. Cavalry troops passed through the John Day River drainage looking for the best route from the Columbia River to Fort Boise. One company, . . . — — Map (db m71675) HM
Clues exposed at the surface help the nearby hills tell their story. Most were formed from abundant volcanic ash-falls and floods of lava over many millions of years. About five million years ago the land-building slowed and erosion cut down into . . . — — Map (db m71673)
(Three panel make up this marker.)
Climate changed doesn't happen overnight, nor is it a smooth process. The Painted Hills contain a record of both long term climate change as well as the fluctuations that occurred along the way. As . . . — — Map (db m158073) HM
Through this dry land in 1865 rode a pioneer minister and amateur scientist named Thomas Condon. It was the first of his many visits. Imagine his reaction when he discovered the imprints of countless fossilized leaves near these Painted Hills, . . . — — Map (db m71698) HM
The ground before you is like a puzzle. A long streak of color breaks off, then seems to continue in the next hill, but at a different level. To connect the pieces, look for similar color, thickness, and sequence in a series of layers.
Ash and . . . — — Map (db m71699)
John Day came to Oregon in 1812 as part of an overland expedition to the new Pacific Fur Company post in Astoria. The once large party split up into many small groups before reaching Oregon Territory.
While camped where the mouth of the . . . — — Map (db m114108) HM
The Zybach cemetery was established in 1918, west of Zybach Methodist Church. The first burial, of Garrett Helton, dates back to 1918, while a unique burial is that of Wiley McCray, named “world’s greatest rodeo clown” in 1950 and . . . — — Map (db m153567) HM
Soon after the establishment of this community along the proposed rail line for the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf railway in 1902, residents called for the creation of a school to serve their children. Both the community and the school were known as . . . — — Map (db m100353) HM
Fort Elliott, established June 5, 1875 to help keep Native Americans on their Indian territory reservations, was partially garrisoned by African American soldiers called “Buffalo Soldiers” by Native Americans. Various companies of the . . . — — Map (db m93727) HM
Great peace officer of era of early settlement in Texas Panhandle. (During his term in office, lived near this site).
Born in Greensboro, Alabama. During the Civil War, 1861-1865, was one of most daring scouts in famous guerrilla command of . . . — — Map (db m93708) HM
First county judge in Texas Panhandle and in Wheeler County, Dubbs was born in Ohio. Came to know Texas as a buffalo hunter, and was in famous Indian Battle of Adobe Walls, 1874. Gained wide respect when, as judge, he had a lawless U.S. marshal . . . — — Map (db m93701) HM
First stood about a mile to the northwest, at Fort Elliott, established 1875 to protect the Texas Panhandle from Indians.
J. J. Long, teamster-merchant, who arrived with the soldiers, was hired to provide a flagpole for the fort. In cedar breaks . . . — — Map (db m93702) HM
First judge of the 35th District, then comprising entire Panhandle. Born in Indiana, he came to Texas in search of new horizons.
As judge, from 1881 to 1890, his honesty, keen wit, and ample figure inspired many anecdotes. His two sons, Newton . . . — — Map (db m93704) HM
Oldest town in Texas Panhandle. Originally a trading post, 2 miles south, 1874; moved nearer to Fort Elliott, 1875. Earlier called Sweetwater, was renamed in 1879.
Courthouse was completed by Mark Huselby, first county tax assessor, and other . . . — — Map (db m93709) HM
Mobeetie cemetery is the first known established cemetery in the Texas panhandle. It was born of necessity, established as a final resting place for those whose journey ended in Mobeetie, which evolved from an 1875 hunter’s camp and nearby army . . . — — Map (db m93699) HM
Soon after Wheeler County was organized in 1879, a Union church was formed at Old Mobeetie (2 mi S). On April 2, 1894, the 13 Baptist members of the fellowship organized this church. Services were held in public buildings until 1919, when a . . . — — Map (db m93713) HM
Early mail service in Wheeler County was established at Fort Elliott. In 1879, a U.S. post office opened in the town of Mobeetie, previously known as Sweetwater. George A. Montgomery served as the first postmaster. In 1928, after the town moved . . . — — Map (db m93725) HM
Mobeetie developed from a buffalo hunters camp established in 1874 and Fort Elliott, which opened in 1875. Methodists Peter Gravis and J.T. Hosmer preached in the town in 1881, and by 1884, Mobeetie had a mission Methodist congregation. An 1898 . . . — — Map (db m93711) HM
First substantial home in Wheeler County, built across creek from Hidetown, buffalo hunter's post, about 1875 for first sheriff Henry Fleming. Rock quarried nearby. Ell of four 14 foot square rooms. Was considered a mansion. Served the county until . . . — — Map (db m153876) HM
First jail in Panhandle of Texas. Central holding place for badmen. Built at cost of $18,500, including $1200 for a hangman's device put in to meet state requirement. Stone quarried on farm of Emanuel Dubbs, first . . . — — Map (db m93700) HM
Near this site Sept 12, 1874 Kiowa and Comanche fought Maj Wm R Price
at the Battle of Sweetwater Creek Arrow Sculptor: Charles A. Smith
— — Map (db m153569) HM
Established June 5, 1875. One of the last forts established in Texas for the purpose of clearing the region of Indians. Around it Mobeetie, rendezvous of buffalo hunters and trappers grew up. The post was abandoned in 1889. — — Map (db m48385) HM
Brilliant attorney and state senator from this county, 1885-1887. Son of Texas hero Sam Houston.
Old courthouse where he practiced law and his home were both near here. He gave dedicatory speech for Texas Capitol in 1888.
Married Laura Cross . . . — — Map (db m93705) HM
"Bill Mack's influence on country music is legendary" - George Strait Bill Mack's journey in broadcasting has taken him from radio in its heyday to the newest technology of satellite. His talent and the longevity of his career have earned him . . . — — Map (db m164028) HM
For six decades, the distinctive voice of Bill
Mack has graced the radio airwaves. Blessed
with a creativity inherited from his mother, Bill
has become a successful country music
songwriter and one of the most popular radio
disc jockeys in . . . — — Map (db m164026) HM
Beginning in the 1920s, this cemetery has been a burial ground for the African American community of Shamrock. The oldest marked grave, for William Frank Holmon, dates from 1926. Also known as West Shamrock Cemetery, the site takes its name from . . . — — Map (db m152784) HM
Organized in 1904 by the Rev. E. A. Oller, this was the second church established in Shamrock. Charter members included Martha Anderson, A. N. Holmes, Mrs. Kaffir, Mrs. Betty McGreggor, and J. M. Woodley. First meeting place was the local . . . — — Map (db m100317) HM
Created 1860; until 1896, one of largest counties in Texas. Organized at Old Mobeetie, northwest of here. In 1880s settlement was rapid; by 1892 nearly 2,500 pupils were in county's schools. A post office, jail and many houses were built, and over . . . — — Map (db m100324) HM
Named for Sam Pakan, Sr., (1875-1929), Slovak emigrant. Success in Chicago enabled him to buy land here, 1904. Ten other Slovak families joined him and pooled funds to build first school, 1907. Some old settlers remaining include Linkeys, Mertels, . . . — — Map (db m100354) HM
Comanche, Kiowa & Cheyenne Indians camped at the north fork of the Red River during their travels
Arrow sculptor: Charles A. Smith — — Map (db m153560) HM
Because of Shamrock's population growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its citizens decided to establish an official
community cemetery. In 1908, members of the Shamrock Cemetery
Association, Frank Exum, C.R. Moore and E.I. . . . — — Map (db m152776) HM
Visits of Methodist ministers to this area began in 1881. On June 17, 1901, circuit rider W. L. Harris, from Cataline Mission (40 mi N), organized this first local church in native walnut grove of Mrs. Mary Ruth Jones (3 mi N). Charter members (17) . . . — — Map (db m100318) HM
Soon after residents voted to incorporate in March 1911, Shamrock officials identified the need for a reliable waterworks for the city. Prior to that time, citizens got their water from one of two town wells or hauled it to town in barrels on . . . — — Map (db m100316) HM
Early area settler George Nickel and his wife, Dora (Haggard), raised their family in a dugout home in Wheeler County. For his Irish heritage and for its symbolism of luck and courage, George suggested “Shamrock” for a Post Office . . . — — Map (db m152774) HM
Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. Even with all of his celebrity, much of his life remains a mystery. Historians are still researching and debating the famous account of his banishing all . . . — — Map (db m105794) HM
The distinctive Tower Building was one of many commercial structures erected in the early 1930s along new U.S. Route 66. Designed by Pampa Architect J.C. Berry, the structure was built by local entrepreneur J.M. Tindall in 1936. The Tower Building . . . — — Map (db m52016) HM
Irish folklore says “you will never be at a loss for words” after kissing the Blarney Stone (also known as The Stone of Eloquence). Here in Shamrock, Texas, some of our locals swear their luck changed for the better after kissing this . . . — — Map (db m105791) HM
In 1906, D. M. Pollard bought the south half of section 30, block a-7 of the H&GN survey and lived in a dugout. Near his homesite, the center school opened in 1909. The school also hosted church services, and the Center Cemetery was dedicated on . . . — — Map (db m153561) HM
Sweetwater creek was essential to millions of southern buffalo
In a region known as the Comancheria. Plains Indians camped
along this freshwater stream to seek shelter from harsh winters.
As Anglos continued to settle the southern plains, . . . — — Map (db m153566) HM
Wheeler lies in the heart of the buffalo hunting area for the Kiowa, Comanche and Cheyenne Indians
Arrow Sculptor: Charles A. Smith — — Map (db m153564) HM
Built 1891 by F. M. Patton, a rancher; native stone with cottonwood framing. Part of lumber came from abandoned Fort Elliott. Barn was one of first in county; used to store prairie hay, alfalfa. W. G. Stiles family, owners, purchased ranch in . . . — — Map (db m153562) HM
Built 1886, when Indians still raided nearby apple trees. Wheeler County's second school. Of native stone. Site gift of Tom Baley. Other donors: John Brown, Frank Chilton, Mr. Clark, Henry Frye, Bill Miller, J. E. Pior, Fred H. Rathjen, Jenkins . . . — — Map (db m153563) HM
Built 1914 by Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Porter, pioneer settlers; Porter, an ex-cowboy, ranched near here after marrying Millie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Jones, 1886 settlers in Mobeetie area.
Millie (1877-1957) as a child helped herd sheep; she . . . — — Map (db m93684) HM
The site of Wheeler Cemetery was conveyed to J.E. Stanley, trustee for the Wheeler Community graveyard, by R.M. Stone and Nellie J. Stone, original owners of the property, in 1907. There are more than 2,700 recognized graves with the first tombstone . . . — — Map (db m93685) HM
Formed from Young and Bexar territories Created August 21, 1876
Organized April 12, 1879 Named in honor of
Royal T. Wheeler 1810 – 1864
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, 1844-1858
Chief Justice, 1858-1864 . . . — — Map (db m93680) HM
Named for Royal T. Wheeler, an early Texas jurist, Wheeler County was created by the Texas State Legislature in 1876. In 1879 the county was organized and Mobeetie (then known as Sweetwater), the only town in the county, became the county seat. A . . . — — Map (db m93682) HM
Built 1909 after county seat moved from historic Old Mobeetie. First sheriff, M. V. Sanders; jailer, J. M. Kezee. Built of concrete and steel. Used 20 years with only 1 prisoner escaping.
Now used for library, museum and county offices. . . . — — Map (db m93681) HM
