History
Fugitives from JusticeWomen Homesteaders in Texas
Historical Markers
I could use some help finishing these.| Title | Marker # | Atlas # | City | Year | Location | Text |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Settlement | 260 | 5267000260 | Junction | 1967 | from Junction, take IH-10W about 4 miles, then go north on FM 2291 4 miles | Started in 1850s by rancher Raleigh Gentry, who built a 2-room log house and cleared a small farm, but in 1862 sold out to cattlemen Rance Moore. 1860s settlers included Wm. and Lane Gibson, Charlie Jones, John New, A. J. Nixon, Billie Waites. Others came in 1870s after raids by Indians and outlaws were ended. |
| Brambletye | 265 | 5267000265 | Junction | 1983 | from Junction, take IH-10W about 4 miles, then north 2.7 miles on FM 2291 | Brambletye was built between 1895 and 1900 by English immigrant William Hall (b. 1833), who came to Texas in 1888. After Hall's death in 1900, the stone house and surrounding ranchland were owned by several early ranch families. Prominently sited on a hill overlooking Bear Creek, known earlier as Viejo Creek, Brambletye is a rare example of late 19th-century English vernacular architecture in the Texas Hill Country. It features hand cut stone walls two feet thick and ceiling beams of hand-hewn walnut and other hardwoods. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983 |
| Burt M. Fleming American Legion Post No. 237 | 11997 | 5267011997 | Junction | 1997 | Location not given | Organized on May 15, 1919, American Legion Post No. 237 was named for Burt M. Fleming, who was killed in France during World War I. One of the best known organizations in Kimble County, the post sponsored such activities as charity functions, sporting events, celebrations, and conventions. In 1938 the Legion post built its own home of native rock on this site, embedding the interior walls with wartime memorabilia. A new memorial hall was erected following World War II, though the "Legion hut" continued to be used extensively. In 1966 the Legion granted the use of the hut to the county historical museum. (1998) |
| Campsite of Marques De Rubi, 1767 | 1188 | 5267001188 | Junction | 1967 | about 4 miles NW of Junction on HWY 1674 | Campsite of Marques de Rubi, 1767. In 1764 King Charles III of Spain ordered the Marques de Rubi, a Spanish army field marshal, to tour and inspect all presidios in New Spain. Rubi arrived in Mexico in February 1766, and was joined by Nicolas de Lafora, engineer and mapmaker. They made a tour of the Northwest and California territory and entered Texas on July 17, 1767. Rubi chose this location for his campsite July 23, 1767. His report suggested small Texas missions be closed. This was done in 1772. Only Goliad and San Antonio remained. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967 |
| Captain Gully Cowsert | 604 | 5267000604 | Junction | 1968 | from Junction go west on IH-10 about 11.5 miles - take FM 1674 - go east about .2 mi. to cemetery - marker is in rear (eastern section) | (June 12,1896 - June 11,1958) Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, World War I. Became Texas Ranger in 1942. He served in that rank for 14 years. Commanded Company E and West Texas District 14 years. Gained fame solving cattle and sheep theft cases. First wife was Mamie Keesee; had two sons, K. and Gully, Jr. and daughter, Mary Katherine. Second wife was Dana Van der Smissen. |
| Captain William Walter Taylor | 5209 | 5267005209 | Junction | 1967 | 1.5 miles SW of Junction Courthouse via SU 3775, in city cemetery; marker is 1/2 way down main road though cemetery. | Grandson of Josiah Taylor and grandnephew of Creed Taylor, Indian fighters who took part in Battle of Bandera Pass, 1841. Born at Clinton, Texas; in 1889 he moved to Kimble County, to begin ranching with an uncle. In 1898 became county sheriff. His six terms included critical period of 1902 land rush. He was appointed Texas Ranger Captain in 1917 by Governor W. P. Hobby; he served ten years, chiefly at Ranger, Brownsville, and Borger. Recorded 1967 |
| City of Junction | 5209 | 5267000611 | Junction | 1972 | Corner of 5th and College Streets | County Seat of Kimble County. Townsite Platted 1876 (year of county organization) as "Denman." Soon had name changed by voters to denote site at confluence of North and South Llano Rivers. Growth was steady. By 1882 had 300 people, a courthouse, jail, school, 2 churches, 2 stores. In 1927, town was incorporated; water system bought, 1929; swere system built, 1929; Municipal Hall and Fire Station erected 1939-40; swimming pool installed 1955. Eight mayors, 63 alderman, 5 city secretaries, and others have held offices. After annexations, by 1970 population reached 2654. (1972) |
| Cloud Point | 12589 | 5267012589 | Junction vicinity | 2001 | 3 miles east of Junction on FM 2169 | A landmark for many years for soldiers and others who journeyed along the roads that traversed this terrain, Cloud Point is the name given to the cliff overlooking the Llano River valley and the valley of Johnson Fork Creek. The geographic feature was named for the family of William Johnston Cloud, a Civil War veteran, who purchased property in this part of Kimble County and located his home near this site. Early roads that passed by Cloud Point included the Upper Presidio Road, from Kerrville to Fort McKavett; the Military Road from Fort Terrett to San Antonio; and the transcontinental Old Spanish Trail. No longer on the main route since the 1970s, Cloud Point remains a local point of interest. (2001) |
| Coach Bear Bryant and the Junction Boys | 17986 | 5507017986 | Junction | 2014 | parking area at the intersection of FM2169 and CR180 | Paul "Bear" Bryant, former coach at Maryland and Kentucky, became head football coach at Texas A&M in 1954. To evaluate his new players, Bryant sought a preseason camp far from the main campus. The Texas A&M adjunct opened in Junction in 1951, on 411 acres purchased by citizens of Kimble County. It was here that a grueling ten-day training camp thinned the roster while laying a foundation for future champions. Nearly 100 players filled two buses for the 250-mile drive to Junction on Sep. 1. Although the site was normally well-watered near the South Llano River, the region was in the grip of a long-term drought in 1954. There was hardly any grass, and one player recalled "any time you got knocked down you had to avoid the prickly sandspurs." With high heat, rough ground and long practices, players slipped out by night. By the end of the camp, only 35 men remained to board buses returning to College Station. That fall, the team won a single game, the only losing record in Bryant's 38-year career. Two years later, the 1956 team went undefeated, won the Southwest Conference, boasted seven all-conference players, and finished ranked fifth in the nation. Many of the camp survivors were successful in their chosen careers, including two with long coaching careers in college and the National Football League. Bryant left Texas A&M for Alabama, winning six National Championships and retiring as college football's winningest coach in 1982. Bryant and the Junction Boys met here again in 1979, reunited at a place which became legendary in Texas and American sports history. |
| Coalson-Pullen Colony | 612 | 5267000612 | Junction | 1970 | from Junction take IH-10 11.5 miles west, take exit to FM 1674, go west (then road goes north), 3.3 miles to marker | (cabin chimney at site, about 3 mi. NW) Opened 1866 by Nick and Jennie (Blackwell) Coalson, who moved from Menard area. Stockraising and hunting provided livelihood. Their "bacon" was cured bear meat. Indians often stole horses, and in Dec. 1870 attacked cabin when Coalson and Charlie Mann had gone hunting. Ranch hand Joe Harris was killed. Mrs. Coalson in man's attire held off Indians until her husband returned. Later Coalson sold the ranch to surveyor - Civil War veteran Dr. Asa Pullen and wife Juliet (Gilliland), who had 6 daughters. Many descendants of this family still live in Kimble County. |
| College Street Church of Christ | 13292 | 5267013292 | Junction | 2004 | 815 College Street | In 1880, A. J. Bush arrived in this community, which was then called Junction City. Here he led 17 men and women in forming a Church of Christ. Two years later, after initially holding services in the county courthouse, members of the growing church built their first sanctuary. In 1883, John S. Durst began his 42-year tenure as the church's minister. On this site in 1890, members constructed a new building, which was replaced by the current building in 1929. For more than a century, the Church of Christ has participated in numerous service projects and remains an integral part of Junction's religious community. (2005) |
| Colonel John Griffith | 614 | 5267000614 | Junction | 1965 | Courthouse Grounds (corner of Man and 6th) | (1831-1889) Confederate officer in Civil War. Learned at war's end that women and children of family had fled from Arkansas to Texas in open wagon drawn by a milk cow and a one-eye mule. The missing were found in 1866, as mule was recognized near the courthouse in Comanche and 2 Griffith boys mounted him. Settled at Buffalo Gap. Helped to organize Taylor County, 1878. Moved to Kimble County, 1881. Had much property, great influence. An example of those leaders who came to Texas after war to get a new start and become outstanding citizens. (1965) |
| Confederate Veterans Reunion, Site of 1908 | 14475 | 5507014475 | Junction | 2004 | none listed | none listed |
| Creed Taylor | 5210 | 5267005210 | Junction | 1962 | 29 miles E of Junction, via FM 479, on CR just E of Little Devil's River; pass Noxville School and continue about 1 mile down CR to cemetery | Soldier Texas War for Independence. Gonzales to Bexar, 1835. Scout and courier, 1836. |
| Doom of the Outlaws of Pegleg Station | 3891 | 5267003891 | Junction | 1968 | on US 377 S, about 9.5 miles SW of Junction | Here the climax of a western track-down occurred on Jan.18, 1878, when Texas Rangers killed suspected murderer Dick Dublin, member of a gang of outlaws. Although a friend yelled for him to run, Dublin was shot (150 yds. S) as the intrepid James B. Gillett and 3 other Rangers rushed his hide-out (60 yds.E). Dick's brothers (Role and Dell), Mack Potter, and Rube Boyce were captured after a partner of the gang turned informer. Three of them (plus two others) were convicted Aug. 23-24, 1880, of the 1877 robbery of the U.S. Mail at Pegleg Station. (1969) |
| Early History of Kimble County | 1321 | 5267001321 | Junction | 1968 | Courthouse grounds (corner of Main and 6th) | Created in 1858 out of Bexar County, Kimble County was attached temporarily to Gillespie County for judicial purposes. It was named for Lt. George C. Kimble, slain March 6, 1836, in the siege of the Alamo. The county was organized in 1876, and the first regular term of district court was held, spring 1877, under a live oak tree 1-3/4 miles north of here. Judge W. A. Blackburn presided, aided by Texas Rangers. The first county officials, elected February 15, 1876, were Will Potter, judge; Frank Latta, sheriff and tax collector; E. K. Kountz, clerk; N. Q. Patterson, treasurer; M. J. Denman, surveyor; and William Graham, attorney. The county commissioners were James R. Steffey of Precinct 3; and A. Vancourt of Precinct 4. The first courthouse, a frame building erected in 1878, was destroyed, with all the county records, by fire on April 22, 1884. Commissioners court passed an order on May 13, 1884, to replace the old building with a new, two-story stone structure. On June 2, 1888, this also was partially destroyed by fire, and on April 11, 1889, it was ordered repaired under the direction of B. A. Davey. This building stood until replaced by the present courthouse in 1929. (1968) |
| Fight of Sheriff's Posse with Cattle Rustlers | 1526 | 5267001526 | Junction | 1968 | Courthouse grounds (corner of 5th and 6th) | (site marked on Rust Ranch, 21 mi. NW) On Feb. 6, 1879, Sheriff John L. Jones and deputies T. C. Taylor, Oscar Latta, John Gardner, T. W. Frazier and Bob Owens found Jim and Jourd Nite (brothers) and J. C. Crane with cattle and horses stolen from James Peterson and John Gardner. In following fight, Crane and Jourd Nite were killed while Jim was wounded. Crane and Jourd Nite were buried at the scene of the battle. Jim Nite recovered and later at his trial, March 30, 1897, (held in earlier courthouse on this site) was convicted and sentenced as John Underwood. |
| First Baptist Church of Junction | 13276 | 5267013276 | Junction | 2004 | 202 S. Eighth St | In 1880, several local residents met at the courthouse to organize a Baptist church. The Rev. Z.M. Wells, pastor at Menardville (Menard), led the group and continued conducting services monthly. Four years later, the courthouse burned, and Junction residents erected a community church building, used on a rotating basis. In 1887, the Baptist congregation built a white, frame sanctuary on this site. Members built a Spanish-style building here in 1929 and then a brick structure in 1959. As the church has grown, it has also added other facilities. Over the years, members have served the community through mission work, worship, music and service programs. (2005) |
| First Church in Community Copperas Methodist Church | 1528 | 5267001528 | Junction | 1968 | rom Junction go west on IH-10 11.5 miles - take exit FM 1674, go east 1.1 miles to marker and church | Organized in 1881 by circuit rider, Andrew Jackson Potter, who helped firmly establish the Methodist church in West Texas. Before construction of church on this site in 1917, services were held in schoolhouse or under brush arbor 3/4 mi. SW on west bank, Copperas Creek. Building site was donated by J. A. Cowsert. Lumber was hauled here by wagon from Menard. Labor was donated by members and other local residents. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1968 |
| First Court Tree | 9248 | 5267009428 | Junction | 1971 | on private property north of Junction via US377 and private railroad | Site of 1876 hearing presided over by Judge W. A. Blackburn, with Texas Rangers on guard and the accused chained to tree. |
| First Court in Kimble County | 1529 | 5267001529 | Junction | 1967 | near airport, 1.5 miles north of Junction on US 377/83 | (Site: .5 mi. NW, on main Llano River) Held in spring of 1876, under a live oak tree that had a hive of wild bees in its trunk. The site, "Old Kimbleville," had been suggested as the county seat. District Judge W. A. Blackburn, of Burnet, arrived by horseback. District attorney was Frank Wilks. The jury was seated on two logs. Another log was the Judge's bench, and a piece of gnarled live oak limb the gavel. Prisoners awaiting trial were chained to nearby trees. Major trials were for horse thefts. Texas Rangers were on hand to testify and to guard court, as this was during lawless era. |
| First Murr Ranch | 1531 | 5267001531 | Junction | 1972 | from Junction, take IH-10W about 4 miles, then go north on FM 2219 about 5 miles | Henry and Adam Murr, born in Lancaster County, PA. Sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Murr, served 1866-1882 and 1877-1882, respectively, in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge at Fort McKavett (28 mi nw), Henry settled here on Bear Creek; in 2 months Adam, also honorably discharged at Fort McKavett, joined him. Henry in 1895 and Adam in 1901 bought land on East Copperas Creek, founding Murr Community. They also had other business interests. Both men contributed greatly to the ranching industry in Kimble County. Descendants own and operate Murr Ranches. (1972) |
| First Post Office | 1533 | 5267001533 | Junction | NW corner of 5th and College (at Courthouse Grounds) | Across the street, south, was the first building erected to house the Junction Post Office. Junction's first postmaster, Mrs. Harriet Kountz, appointed 1876, at first kept the mail in her home. In 1879, her husband Dr. Ezekiel Kountz, built a post office, drugstore,and general mercantile house on the square. Lumber was hauled from Austin. Mrs. Kountz moved the office here and served until 1881. Dr. Kountz, first county clerk of Kimble County office, used store as county office until courthouse was built nearby. Old store was dismantled 1911. (1966) | |
| First United Methodist Church of Junction | 13465 | 5507013465 | Junction | 2006 | 904 Main Street | Early Junction residents built brush arbors for religious meetings, and by the 1870s, the city had an active Methodist Society, which hosted traveling ministers, such as the fiery "Fighting Parson" Andrew Jackson Potter. The Junction Methodists became a mission church of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South in 1881. Members built a sanctuary and parsonage in 1889, and the congregation continued to grow. Gov. Coke R. Stevenson, who grew up in the congregation, served on the building committee for the church's 1930 Spanish mission-style sanctuary. Today, the church continues to be a center for worship, education and community activity. (2006) |
| Fort McKavett - Fort Clark Military Road | 1545 | 5267001545 | Rossevelt | 1966 | from Junction go 18 miles west on IH-10 to Loop 291, go west on 291 about 1 mile to marker which is in front of Roosevelt Community Center | From nearby Ft. Terrett, this road in 1852 led south to Ft. Clark and north to Ft. McKavett. Selected mainly because it had water available, it served as route for freight and mail, 1868, when forts were reactivated. Over it went troops, supplies, a few immigrants and pioneer ranches. It was noted also for passage of forays of Col. Ranald MacKenzie against the hostile Indians to the northwest. After forts were abandoned in 1883, ranchers drove cattle to market over parts of the road. (1966) |
| Hogget Home | 2321 | 5267002321 | Junction | 1965 | from Junction, take US 377 about 5 miles to turnoff to state park (Hwy. 73) - take right on deadend road, go .5 mi. to home (private property) | First two-story house in county. Built 1877-1879 on the caliche soil, with no foundation, by Civil War veteran B.F. Pepper, who led a wagon train of settlers to Texas from Missouri. Since 1905 in family of Dr. R.H.P. Wright. The girlhood home of Fay Wright, 1941-1947, First Lady of Texas, as wife of Governor Coke Stevenson. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965. |
| Isaac Kountz | 2613 | 5267002613 | Junction | 1967 | on US 377 S about 2 miles SW of Courthouse | Killed on this spot by Indians on Christmas Eve, 1867. He was 16 years old, and herding sheep for his father, Dr. E. K. Kountz. A brother, Sebastian, age 11, escaped. a posse and Texas Rangers chased the Indians to the Guadalupe River. Young Kountz was buried in Junction Cemetery. 1967 |
| John James Smith | 4961 | 5267004961 | none listed | 1981 | US 377 S, 3 miles SW of Junction | (March 24, 1822 - April 22, 1924) Illinois native John James Smith came to Texas shortly before enlisting for service in the Mexican War, 1846-48. He later served as a Texas Ranger, helping protect frontier areas from attacks by hostile Indians. During the Civil War Smith joined the Confederate Army and served as city marshall of Greenville, Texas, for two years. Smith moved to Kimble County in 1881, where he was a farmer and a respected citizen. He lived at his nearby farm home (300 yds. SE) until his death at the age of 102. |
| John L. Jones Ranch | 2692 | 5267002692 | London | 1973 | from London take US 377 3.3 miles S - then FM 385 4 miles S to FM 1871, go E about 2 miles to marker | Established about 1875 by Jim Ike and John L. Jones (1852-1912). John Jones drove thousands of cattle to Kansas railheads, and by 1885 had his brother's interest in the ranch, which he increased to 25,000 acres. Originally he ran large herds of cattle, but later added sheep and goats to his ranch. He built a stone drift fence, possibly first in county; portions of this still stand. He was persuaded by friends to run for sheriff in 1896, to help rid the county of rustlers; he completed the job in one term. Descendants own much of this original ranch property today. (1973) |
| John Sterling Durst Pioneer Minister | 2693 | 5267002693 | Junction | 1979 | Courthouse grounds (corner of Main and 6th) | The son of pioneer Texans. John Sterling Durst (1841-1924) was born in Leon County. After service in the Confederate Army, a sermon moved him to join the Church of Christ ministry. When the Rev. Durst bought a nearby farm and moved his family here in 1883, Kimble County was still a frontier region. He preached in this area and on summer tours around the state. A respected leader, he served as county judge, 1902-1910, and as county school superintendent. He was married to Adelaide Reed (d. 1874) and then to Lilla Kittrell and had a large family. |
| Johnson Fork Colony | 2694 | 5267002694 | Junction | 1967 | from Junction, take I-10 E about 8 miles to exit 465 (Segovia), stay on access road until it becomes dirt, then 4.3 miles to marker | One of first settlements in Kimble County, founded early 1860's on land once owned by Samuel Maverick, famed pioneer Texas cattleman. Name of the colony was taken from its site on the Johnson Fork of the Llano River. Settled by Wiley Joy family, who built gravity irrigation system, rock fence, 2-room log house, traces of which still remain. By end of Civil War was home of 8 families, called the Joy Settlement; it became a watering place for troops and travelers; later a stage stop. (1967) |
| Junction School Campus | 15910 | 5507015910 | Junction | 2009 | none listed | none given |
| Junction's First Waterworks | 2697 | 5267002697 | Junction | corner of Oak and S. 5th st | Predecessor of present city waterworks. Supplied water to homes and furnished power to run grist mill, cotton gin, and sawmill. Business leader Ernest Holekamp had canal dug in 1895, beginning at South Llano River, 1/2 mile south of Courthouse. Average bottom width was 6 feet, with depth of water from 3 to 4 feet. The system, named Junction City Milling Company, changed hands 6 times. It was purchased by city in 1928. Holekamp, who came to city in 1881, was first president of Kimble County State Bank and first mayor of Junction, 1927. | |
| Kimble County | 5267002894 | |||||
| Kimble County Courthouse | 5267011708 | |||||
| Kimble County Jail | 5267002892 | |||||
| Kimble County's First Sawmill | 5267002893 | |||||
| Kountz, Isaac | 5507014276 | |||||
| Little Mexico (Northeast Junction) | 5507016258 | |||||
| London Post Office | 5267011999 | |||||
| London Town Square | 5267002988 | |||||
| Marvin E. and Retta Ann Blackburn House | 5267013206 | |||||
| Masonic Hall | 5267003164 | |||||
| Miller-Browning Colony | 5267003171 | |||||
| Morales Ranch | 5267003467 | |||||
| Near Route of Old Military Road | 5267003545 | |||||
| O.C. Fisher | 5507018782 | |||||
| Old Bear Creek Texas Ranger Camp | 5267003636 | |||||
| Old Beef Trail | 5267003637 | |||||
| Old Beef Trail Crossing | 5267011996 | |||||
| Old Cloud Home | 5267003638 | |||||
| Old Log Cabin | 5267003641 | |||||
| Old Noxville School | 5267003618 | |||||
| Old Rock Store, 1879 | 5267004323 | |||||
| Pioneer-North Llano Cemetery | 5507015208 | |||||
| R. M. Turner Family | 5267005575 | |||||
| Reichenau Gap | 5267004238 | |||||
| Roosevelt | 5267004343 | |||||
| Schreiner Park | 5267004604 | |||||
| Site of Creed Taylor Ranch Home | 5267004765 | |||||
| Site of First Livery Stable | 5267004410 | |||||
| Site of Four Mile Dam | 5267004414 | |||||
| Site of Ivy Chapel and School | 5267004412 | |||||
| South Llano Crossing | 5507016071 | |||||
| Spanish Road to Santa Fe, 1808 | 5267005002 | |||||
| Spencer, Major William Addison | 5507015348 | |||||
| Stevenson, Coke R., Texas Statesman | 5267005118 | |||||
| Teacup Mountain | 5267005213 | |||||
| Telegraph Store and Post Office | 5267005219 | |||||
| The Junction Eagle | 5267011998 | |||||
| The Killing of Sam Speer | 5267005007 | |||||
| The Oliver Pecan | 5267003852 | |||||
| Vicinity of Bradbury Settlement | 5267005624 | |||||
| Weaver-Bannowsky Cemetery | 5507014560 | |||||
| Wooten Cemetery | 5267012000 |