On Park Road 8 (County Route 302) 2 miles west of Richter Road when traveling north.
In 1918 had a post office, Guffeyola, in store of H.H. McGuffey. After oil and gas discoveries, 1917-1922, was tent city then town of shotgun houses. Piped first natural gas to San Antonio. Name was changed 1923 to honor J.T. Calliham, rancher . . . — — Map (db m161040) HM
On Park Road 8 (County Route 302) 2 miles west of Richter Road when traveling north.
Thirty years before the first producing gas well was drilled in this county, traces of salt water, sulphur, gas, and oil in water wells gave hints of the presence of petroleum here. For years wildcat drilling went on, but with only moderate . . . — — Map (db m42190) HM
On Main Street at Live Oak Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.
Began with grave of a suicide.
Some occupants are.
Dick Gosset, killed in Ft. Ewell gunfight, Feb. 1869.
E.M. Crain, Confederate veteran; one of 4 cholera victims, 1869.
John Smithwick, murdered, 1870.
Jim —, assassinated from door . . . — — Map (db m152027) HM
On River Street (State Highway 16/72) north of Water Street, on the right when traveling north.
A Civil War home guard post, acting as buffer to protect older settlements from Apaches and bandits. Scattered local men were members of the 29th Brigade, Texas Militia.
Picket homes with dirt floors. Diet of prickly pear salad and fruit, . . . — — Map (db m131937) HM
On State Highway 16, 0.2 miles south of Cemetery Road, on the left when traveling south.
This community (earlier known as Nopal, San Miguel, Franklin) is one of area's first permanent settlements. Named for Samuel C. Cross, who opened grocery store, became first postmaster, 1924. Post office closed, 1934. Gas well completed nearby, . . . — — Map (db m43364) HM
Near Elm Street (State Highway 72) east of Main Street, on the right when traveling east.
First County Jail, built 1880 at cost of $2800. First expenses included 2 blankets, pair of leg irons, 2 pairs handcuffs.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966 — — Map (db m118695) HM
On Franklin Ranch Road near State Highway 16, on the right when traveling west.
Ranch founder Ralph S. "Rafe" Franklin, was born in Louisiana, April 4,1848. He came to McMullen County in the early 1860's with his family.
He started this ranch about 1870, building it up until he owned 40,000 acres one of the largest . . . — — Map (db m180823) HM
On River Street (State Highway 16) at Elm Street (State Highway 72), on the left when traveling south on River Street.
Created 1858. Organized 1862. Abandoned because of bandit activities in thicket area during the Civil War. Reorganized 1877, with Tilden as county seat.
Named for John McMullen (1785-1853), founder with James McGloin of the Irish Colony at . . . — — Map (db m117591) HM
On River Street (State Highway 16) south of Lowe Street, on the left when traveling south.
Established 1881 under leadership of Dr. John Van Epps Covey, founder of three Texas colleges—aided here by civic leaders S.F. Dixon, Dr. M.W.C. Frazier, C.F.H. Hiers, R.W. Johnson, M.F. Lowe and L. Wheeler.
A 3-acre site was bought from . . . — — Map (db m152025) HM
On River Street (State Highway 16) south of Elm Street, on the left when traveling north.
Built about 1865 by Pat Cavanaugh, Irish stonemason, assisted by Dick Barker.
Site of gun battles in Dog Town (now Tilden), "wide open" during lawless era of the 1860's and 1870's.
Preserved since 1929 by Clifton Wheeler, owner.
. . . — — Map (db m118696) HM
On State Highway 72, 0.3 miles east of Pertie Road, on the right when traveling west.
Shortly after the founding of Laredo, in 1755, the Spanish established a transportation-communication route across this site. The road provided necessary abundance of water and grass for travel across this arid region, and served as a vital link . . . — — Map (db m117621) HM
On Main Street at Live Oak Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.
A pioneer in settling of southwest Texas. Born in South Carolina; married Mary Jane Mason. Moved in 1840's to Alabama, then to Mississippi. With wife and 6 children came in 1855 by ox-wagon and horse-drawn hack to Texas. After a year in Lockhart, . . . — — Map (db m152036) HM
On River Street (State Highway 16/72) north of Water Street, on the right when traveling south.
The name, originally "Sin Caja", means "without coffin" in Spanish and may refer to the grim aftermath of the Turkey Creek Indian Battle, which was fought a short distance west of the hill in December 1872.
The fight developed after raiding . . . — — Map (db m131938) HM
On River Street (State Highway 16) south of Elm Street (State Highway 72), on the right when traveling north.
Settled 1858 as Rio Frio.
Later called "Dog Town" because ranchers used many dogs to round up cattle.
1871 townsite was laid out as Colfax.
Made county seat 1877.
Renamed for S.J. Tilden, who won popular vote for U.S. President, 1876. . . . — — Map (db m118693) HM
On State Highway 72 at Farm to Market Road 99, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 72.
Founded as market center for a 44,000-acre farm development. Thrived for 3 years, 1914-1916.
Wentz townsite was named for C.C. Wentz (1872-1957), agent of the Two Rivers Ranch Co. He promoted the townsite for the absentee . . . — — Map (db m131939) HM
On State Highway 72 at Farm to Market Road 99, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 72.
Founded 1858. Named for John Swanson Yarbrough, an original settler. Town contained about 30 log "picket houses". Settlers were often harassed by Indians, cattle thieves and wild animals.
Other original settlers were: Dr. George Dilworth, . . . — — Map (db m131940) HM
On Farm to Market Road 99 near Jambers Ranch Road, on the right when traveling east.
Townsite of 1600 acres established by 1902. Named in honor of Samuel Crowther on whose land it was located. Purchased by S.A. Hopkins in 1903. Extensive promotion failed to develop community into oil and farming center despite early oil discoveries. . . . — — Map (db m180851) HM
