Quantcast
Channel: The Historical Marker Database - New Entries
Viewing all 103684 articles
Browse latest View live

Mount Diablo Coal Field

$
0
0
Antioch, California.
From 1860 to 1906, this area was the largest coal mining district in California. Five towns (Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, Judsonville and West Hartley) grew up around twelve major mines. Today the towns are gone. The buildings having been moved to nearby communities. After the mines closed, mine openings, tailings, railroad beds and a pioneer cemetery are being preserved by the East Bay Regional Park District.

(Natural Resources) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Glazier Cemetery

$
0
0
Glazier, Texas.
The town of Glazier was founded in 1887 when the Panhandle and Santa Fe Railway reached this site. Because of its location north of the Canadian River, Glazier was an ideal shipping point for area cattle, even when flooding made the river impassable. A post office was established in Glazier in 1906. In 1916, a fire which started in a feed mill virtually destroyed the town's business district. A tornado claimed twelve lives in 1947, delivering another major blow to the small town. The earliest known burials in Glazier Cemetery were made in 1906. The Glazier Cemetery Association purchased 2.4 acres from J.F. Johnson in 1910 for the price of twenty-five dollars.

Historic Texas Cemetery

(Cemeteries & Burial Sites) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Canadian River Wagon Bridge

$
0
0
Canadian, Texas.
In 1915, Hemphill County contracted to erect a bridge to span the Canadian River. Construction of the Canadian River Wagon Bridge was completed in July, 1916. The bridge was comprised of seventeen 153.5 ft. pin-connected Parker through-truss spans; the dimensions being 16 ft. in width and 2,635 ft. in total length. After its completion it was said to be the largest steel structure west of the Mississippi. In 1923, it fell victim to the raging waters of the Canadian River which cut a new channel around the north end of the bridge necessitating the extension on the north end of four identical spans and an approach span. The bridge’s 3,255 ft. length now made it the longest pin-connected bridge in Texas.

In recent years a committee of interested citizens raised funds, along with matching grants, to renovate the bridge, laying wooden planked flooring, decking, and installing side-guard railings to create a walking bridge. After five years of hard work, the Canadian River Wagon Bridge was reopened on July 1, 2000. It was restored as part of a new scenic hiking and biking trail over the Canadian River Valley and wetlands habitat.

Visualize in times past a horse-drawn wagon or a Model T loaded with people or groceries crossing a wide and mighty Canadian River. Today as you walk this historic bridge keep a keen eye on the riverbed and you might catch a glimpse of an occasional bobcat, turkey, or deer.

(Bridges & Viaducts) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Preserving a President’s View

$
0
0
Hyde Park, New York.

James Roosevelt purchased a house on 110 acres alongside the Hudson River in 1867. Both he and his son, FDR, cherished the vista from the south lawn, which provided the backdrop for many family, community, and political events. Eventually, this view encompassed the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge (1888) and the Mid-Hudson Bridge (1930).

In 1943 the President wrote a memorandum outlining management of his property once the government took ownership of it. The document included a provision to preserve the vista to the river and to the south and west of the main house. Ironically, as part of his forest management experiments, FDR planted many of the trees that have obscured some of these views.

The land conservation organization Scenic Hudson, working with the National Park Service, has led efforts to protect the natural splendor of this area. They have conserved nearly 1,000 acres to ensure the magnificent vistas you enjoy today in this premier destination.

(Notable Places) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Site of Old Springer's Road Ranch

$
0
0
Canadian, Texas.
First post office in Hemphill County. Unique for tunnel from dugout home-store to corral.

On 1870's trail from Fort Elliott (35 miles, southwest) to Fort Supply, Indian Territory, to Fort Dodge, Kansas. Established by A. G. Springer; besides running 300 head of cattle, Springer's was a stagecoach stand, tavern; store (mainly for teamster, hunters) had liquor, canned goods, hunting equipment. Poker-expert Springer was frequent host to soldiers seeking entertainment in tavern.

In 1877, he and Tom Ledbetter, his partner, were killed in gun battle with angered soldiers and were buried at the ranch.

(Roads & Vehicles) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Former Site of Hogtown

$
0
0
Canadian, Texas.
Forerunner of town of Canadian. Sprang up, 1886, as a tent city for railroad gang working on Southern Kansas line. Named for poor appearance - like a hogpen. After landowner Sam Polland and railroad disputed price for land, line moved across river, taking populace with it.

(Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Lindsey Chevrolet Co.

$
0
0
Washington, Georgia.
Built by
John Thomas
Lindsey

1919-1920

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery

$
0
0
Canadian, Texas.
Thomas T. McGee, the first sheriff of the town of Canadian, was buried in 1894 on a hill on the east side of town. There were already grave markers there dating back to 1883. McGee's widow, Mary, purchased the land and it became known as the McGee Cemetery. More land was bought in 1933 by the Youngs who established a fund to maintain the cemetery. They renamed it Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery in honor of Robert Young's aunt who raised him. In 1989, the cemetery was given to Hemphill County. Thirteen of eighteen judges of Hemphill County are buried here as well as prominent citizens of Canadian who assisted in the establishment and development of Hemphill County.

Historic Texas Cemetery

(Cemeteries & Burial Sites) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Tom T. McGee

$
0
0
Canadian, Texas.
Came to Canadian about 1884. Was foreman on Po Ranch prior to election as first sheriff of Hemphill County, 1887 - year city of Canadian was founded.

Nov. 23, 1894, in gun fight with 6 men attacking large shipment of money at Wells, Fargo & Co., he was mortally wounded, and he died the next day.

His widow went to England as a volunteer civilian worker in World War I; died there. Ashes were returned here for burial.

(Cemeteries & Burial Sites) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Family Forts, C.S.A.

$
0
0
near Albany, Texas.

(Front Side)
Few in numbers and with little protection from the military but refusing to abandon their country, certain families of courageous and determined people on the Texas frontier during the Civil War gathered together in hastily constructed stockades and held out against the threats of hostile Indians and renegade whites ▲ Known as “forting up”, this plan was encouraged by the military for this part of the State. Most of the men 18 to 45 were away in Confederate service and those 17 and over 45 were subject to periodic militia duty for frontier protection. Family forts gave settlers way to protect stock, farms and provide some schooling for their children ▲

(Rear Side)
Best-known family fort in this sector was Fort Davis, located 8 miles east on bank Clear Fork of Brazos in Stephens County, where some 120 people lived during last year of Civil War. Named for Confederate President Jefferson Davis, it was laid off in lots. Log houses with dirt roofs, mud in cracks, dirt floors, were connected by pickets driven into ground. A blockhouse was used by women and children during raids. There were no luxuries, little food, all clothes, soap, soda, candles were made. Nearest supplies were 100 miles away, doctor 65 miles. Yet, there were dances, candy pulls, weddings, “feasts”, Sunday school, occasional sermons and blue-backed spellers ▲ Other family forts near were Lynch and Green ranches, Shackelford County; Blair’s Fort, Allen’s Ranch, Eastland County; Buffalo Springs, Clay County; Picketville, Mugginsville, Owl’s Head, Stephens County.

(Forts, Castles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Jones Mansion

$
0
0
Canadian, Texas.
Prominent area rancher Thomas Stanley Jones, a native of Wales, had this home built in 1910 for his wife, Rosalie (Whaley), and their children. Designed by Amarillo architect E. Wellington, it was the first brick residence constructed in Canadian. Reflecting its builder's prominence in the town, the classical revival mansion features monumental Ionic columns, red brick corner quoins, and renaissance detailing.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Fort Griffin Civil Jail

$
0
0
near Albany, Texas.
This structure was the jail used in the town of Fort Griffin near the United States Army post of Fort Griffin which defended the frontier from 1867 to 1881. During this period lawlessness was common in the town. Citizens built this thick-walled jail in 1878, although a conspicuous stone bears an earlier date. Gamblers, trail drivers, buffalo hunters, and skinners were frequently held here, as many as 18 at one time. Used as a cowshed after the 1880s.

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

The Western Cattle Trail Crossings at Fort Griffin

$
0
0
near Albany, Texas.
Cattle have been important to Texas’ economy since early Spanish mission days. Before and after the Civil War, routes developed for driving herds through Texas to sell in Missouri and Kansas. The best known was the Eastern, or Chisholm Trail, but cattlemen continued seeking new trails and markets. In 1868, members of the Barber Watkins Reynolds family drove cattle to New Mexico and California from the Fort Griffin area.
     In 1874, John T. Lytle drove 3,500 head of Longhorns from south Texas to Nebraska on a new trail, which he determined could sustain cattle to a shipping point at Dodge City, Kansas. The route became known as the Western, Fort Griffin or Dodge City Trail, and Fort Griffin served as an important watering and supply point. The trail began near Bandera and proceeded to Baird, where it fanned out at several points for optimum grazing. North of Albany, the route took drovers toward Fort Griffin, crossing the Clear Fork of the Brazos River in this vicinity (¼ mi. N) and at other upriver points. Multiple paths continued northward, merged again and finally crossed the Red River in Wilbarger County.
     Two years later, between 73,000 and 108,000—about a quarter of Texas’ northern-bound cattle—came through the Fort Griffin area. By 1879, as rail lines extended across the Eastern Trail area, the Western Trail became the primary Texas cattle route and continued as such until the last drive, led by John Blocker in 1893. By then, three to five million cattle had passed through this area on their way to northern markets. Cattle raising continues to be important in Shackelford County, a legacy of the early trail.

(Agriculture • Roads & Vehicles • Animals) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Frontier Town of Fort Griffin

$
0
0
near Albany, Texas.
In the 19th century, the U.S. government established forts along Texas’ frontier to protect pioneers. By the early 1850s, Col. Jesse Stem farmed along the Clear Fork of the Brazos River, and Thomas Lambshead established his Clear Fork farm. As others moved to the area, troops at Camp Cooper in present-day Throckmorton County, including then-Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee, provided military defense. Camp Cooper closed at the start of the Civil War in 1861. After the war, the U.S. Army established Camp Wilson, later renamed Fort Griffin, near this site in 1867.
     Fort Griffin sat on the high ground above the river. A settlement developed between it and the water’s edge. The town, known also as “the Flat,” included merchants, cattlemen and their families. Its permanent populace supported a newspaper, the Fort Griffin Echo, as well as an academy, Masonic lodge and several stores and saloons. A rough element of cowboys, gamblers and renegades mixed with black and white troops to form a lawless scene. Among those attracted to the town were Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Lottie Deno, Big Nose Kate, Hurricane Bill and Hurricane Minnie.
     Fort Griffin was a stop for buffalo hide trade, and hides awaiting shipment crowded town lots. Located along the Western Cattle Trail, it included immigrant residents from several countries. Due to the distance from governmental authority, area residents formed Shackelford County in 1874. The town’s population steadily declined after Albany became the county seat and the terminus of the Texas Central Railroad. Notable local businesses included the Beehive saloon, the Conrad and Rath store, the Glesk boot shop and the Occidental hotel. The fort closed in 1881, but elements of the town remained in operation into the mid-20th century. The school consolidated with the Albany District in 1942.

(Forts, Castles • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Blackhawk Ranch Quarry

$
0
0
near Walnut Creek, California.
The Blackhawk Ranch fossil quarry is located south of Rock City on the lower slopes of Mount Diablo. During the Late Miocene, approximately 9-10 million years ago, this region was a rolling lowland. It represented the first evidence of emergence of the land around Mount Diablo after a long history of burial under the ocean.
Sycamore, elm, poplar and willow were common in the streamed forests, where animals such as Gomphotherium, a relative of the elephant, browsed among the trees, sharing the habitat with cranes, peccaries, and beavers.
Fossil evidence also indicates the presence of herbivorous animals including several kinds of horses, camels, rhinos, and pronghorns that probably favored open grasslands. There were also carnivorous sabre-toothed cats, a fox, and a very large hyena-like dog that may have preyed upon them.

Blackhawk Ranch Fossil Quarry
A picture of this ancient landscape and the plants and animals that lived there emerged through the excavation and analysis of the concentration of fossils from the Blackhawk Ranch Quarry.
Scientist from the University of California Museum of Paleontology have carefully studied the fossils from this quarry since its discovery in 1926, as well as the Late Miocene non-marine rocks in which these fossils were found. The geological and paleontological evidence left from the ancient ecosystem lies, hidden beneath the grassy slopes on the south side of the mountain.

(Paleontology) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Israel Putnam

$
0
0
Brooklyn, Connecticut.
In the field behind this stone after the close of the French and Indian Wars, returning from many expeditions to Ticonderoga, Fort Edward, Quebec, Montreal, Havana, Detroit, and New Orleans, lived Col. Israel Putnam.
Here with his wife (2nd) Mrs. Deborah (Avery Gardiner) Putnam, he dispensed a famous hospitality at the General Wolfe Tavern.
Near this spot also, April 20, 1775, Putnam received news of the Battle of Lexington. Leaving his plow in the furrow with his son Daniel, he rode one hundred miles in eighteen hours, reaching Cambridge the next day. There soon after he planned and on June 17, 1775, commanded at The Battle of Bunker Hill
receiving thereafter from the Continental Congress by the hand of Washington the first commission of Major General (and the only one unanimously voted) which made him second in rank to his Chief.

placed by the Town of Brooklyn and the Colonel Daniel Putnam Association Inc.
1918
the 200th anniversary of his birth

Patriot, remember the heritages received from your forefathers and predecessors, protect and perpetuate them for the future generations of your countrymen !

(Colonial Era • War, US Revolutionary • Patriots & Patriotism) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Grave Of Oliver Pollock

$
0
0
Pinckneyville, Mississippi.
Pollock, an Irish merchant in Spanish New Orleans, served in that city as Commercial Agent for the Continental Congress & helped finance the American Revolution with his fortune. He died at Pinckneyville, 1832.

(Colonial Era • War, US Revolutionary • Cemeteries & Burial Sites) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Gonzalo Rivas Novoa

$
0
0
, Nicaragua.

El gran humorista Gonzalo Rivas Novoa (Ge Erre Ene) gloria legitima de la patria. Nacio en esta casa el 13-5-1906
El Club Rotario de Masaya le tributa este homenaje - marzo de 1960

English translation:
The great humorist Gonzalo Rivas Novoa (known by his initials, GRN) the nation was legitimately honored by him. He was born in this house on May 13, 1906
The Rotary Club of Masaya honors him with this tribute - March 1960

(Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

General Rigoberto Cabezas

$
0
0
, Nicaragua.

Gral. Rigoberto Cabezas
Reincorporador de la Mosquitia
Año 1894
1860 · 1896
A los 101 años de la
Revolucion Liberal
P.L.C.

English translation:
General Rigoberto Cabezas
Reincorporated la Mosquitia region
1894
1860 · 1896
On the 101st anniversary of the
Liberal Revolution Liberal
P.L.C. (Constitutional Liberal Party)

(Politics • Patriots & Patriotism • Wars, Non-US) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Shorty Harris Grave

$
0
0
Death Valley, California.
Bury me beside Jim Dayton in the valley we loved. Above me write: "Here lies Shorty Harris, a single blanket jackass prospector." Epitaph requested by Shorty (Frank) Harris, beloved gold hunter, 1856-1934 Here Jas. Dayton, pioneer, perished, 1898. To these trailmakers whose courage matched the dangers of the land, this bit of earth is dedicated forever.

(Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Viewing all 103684 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images