Shamrock has its official beginning with the arrival of the Chicago, Rock
Island and Gulf Railway in the summer of 1902. After opening under other
names and at other sites, the present Shamrock post office was established
in 1903 at the present . . . — — Map (db m274302) HM
In 1915, city leaders contracted with Chicago Bridge and Iron Works to fabricate and erect the Shamrock water tower at a cost of $6560 (see excerpts of minutes below). Specifications sent to the state (left) and CB&I architectural drawings (right) . . . — — Map (db m274308) HM
The Riveting Process
In the early 20th century, welding was still in its infancy, and high strength steel bolts were not in use. The common practice of the day for metal construction was the painstaking process of riveting. The steel plates . . . — — Map (db m274324) HM
The Shamrock tower was erected with the use of a basket pole derrick. The derrick was suspended by cables at each leg and could be moved from leg to leg to hang each adjoining leg and strut or cross-member. Each component of the tower, balcony, . . . — — Map (db m274350) HM
Whatever is, is wrong. George Horton
George Horton had a saying: Whatever is, is wrong. Under his leadership, CB&I developed the practice of always searching for a better design, a faster method, a safer process, a . . . — — Map (db m274385) HM
Although its reason for existing was born out of necessity, the Shamrock tower has served other roles over the years. In the early days, travelers used it as a landmark to mark their progress through the Panhandle, in much the same way as travelers . . . — — Map (db m274494) HM
Throughout the years, the water tower's central location has underscored its size and position in the heart of the Shamrock community. Through the decades, Main Street has been in a constant state of change, yet since its completion, Shamrock's . . . — — Map (db m274516) HM
From the Panhandle to the Hill Country and all across Texas, water towers rise up out of the landscape, an indication of civilization ahead. In some cases, rusted out, they are lonely reminders of days gone by. But in hundreds of small communities, . . . — — Map (db m274518) HM
