Home of Ben Leaton

November 6, 2012, 6:31 am

Texas, Presidio County, near Presidio

First Anglo-American farmer
in Presidio County
In August 1848, Mr. Leaton acquired
the building and it has since
been known as Fort Leaton

(Agriculture • Forts, Castles) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Terlingua

November 6, 2012, 6:38 am

≫ Next: Col. James Morgan

≪ Previous: Home of Ben Leaton

Texas, Brewster County, Terlingua

With the Mother-Ore Cinnabar strike in 1890, Terlingua became the world's quicksilver capital, yielding 40 percent of nation's need by 1922.

Its name from Terlingua (three tongues) creek nearby, was coined by Mexican herders. Comanche, Shawnees and Apaches lived on its upper reaches.

Howard E. Perry's two-story mansion overlooked his Chisos Mining Company and townsite here, where 2,000 miners once used its jail, church, ice cream parlor and theater. The mine flooded, mineral price fell and Terlingua died after World War II.

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

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Col. James Morgan

November 6, 2012, 6:47 am

≫ Next: John A. Grimes Memorial Park

≪ Previous: Terlingua

Texas, Harris County, Morgan's Point
Although the original land grant went to Johnson Hunter in 1824 and the Point was owned by Nicholas Clopper from 1826 until 1835, it was James Morgan who gave the Point its name.

Morgan purchased 1600 acres from Nicholas Clopper in December of 1835 and began to lay out his proposed town of New Washington. He built his own home on the site that Clopper had named Orange Grove.

Although General Santa Anna burned the plantation on the day before the Battle of San Jacinto, it was immediately rebuilt. The town of New Washington never prospered, but James Morgan’s plantation became a popular stopping place for travelers. Among those stopping as Morgan’s home during their travels were the German naturalist Ferdinand Roemer, the Prince of Salms, famous wildlife artist James Audubon and wealthy English yachting enthusiasts Mr. and Mrs. Houstoun. Other frequent visitors were neighbors Sam Houston, David Burnet and Ashbel Smith.

James Morgan was influential in the early days of the Republic of Texas, was in charge of the defense of Galveston during the revolution and was involved in the sale of the Texas Navy after the war.

Morgan died March 1, 1866 and is buried with his family in the old Orange Grove Cemetery now used by the city of Morgan’s Point.

(Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence) Includes location, directions, GPS coordinates, map.

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John A. Grimes Memorial Park

November 6, 2012, 6:55 am

≫ Next: First Commercial Oil Discovery in Texas

≪ Previous: Col. James Morgan

Texas, Harris County, Morgan's Point

Mayor – April 7, 1984 through June 1, 1992
Dedicated to Mayor John A. Grimes
July 10, 1924 – June 1, 1992
John A Grimes was elected Mayor on April 7th, 1984 and had just been elected to his fifth two-year term When he was killed June 1, 1992 in a tragic accident. Mayor John Grimes cared about life and for the citizens of the City of Morgan’s Point, Texas. John is remembered for his contributions to the city of Morgan’s point and the environment of the entire Bayshore area. His untimely death reminds us of how fragile life is.

As a 1948 Yale University graduate in English literature, he worked as a journalist and later as a labor arbitrator. From 1956 to 1967, he was chief labor reporter of the Wall Street Journal. He was on the roster for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) since 1983 and was assistant to the Director of FMCS from 1977 to 1981. During his career, he served as president of the Industrial Relations and Research Association. He also served on the Advisory Board of the Center for Conflict Analysis and Management at the University of Houston – Clear Lake. He was also on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Harbor, a children’s home in Morgans Point.

John’s environmental interests included being an amateur naturalist and ornithologist. He was a founder of the Galveston Bay Foundation and was on the Executive Committee at the time of his death. He was Chair of the Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association and served on the Board of Trustees of the Texas Committee on Natural Resources. John Grimes devoted more than a decade to the Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) and was founding Chair of the ABNC’s Volunteer Organization. He had just been elected to his fourth term as President of the Nature Center’s Board of Trustees.

John cared most for his family, Patricia his wife, daughter Mary Lynn and grandson Andrew, daughter Christie, daughter Catherine Sarns and husband Martin, son John, son William and wife Nancy, and son Kieth wife Mardi and grandson Paul.

Good works of good people make things happen. John Grimes lifetime of good works leaves a great and lasting legacy for a humane and healthy future.

This park is dedicated to John Grimes and his respect of and work for life, nature and people.

(Notable Persons) Includes location, directions, 1 photo, GPS coordinates, map.

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First Commercial Oil Discovery in Texas

November 6, 2012, 8:21 am

≫ Next: Satank Killed

≪ Previous: John A. Grimes Memorial Park

Texas, Navarro County, Corsicana

This pipe denotes the location of the successful
water well that led to the oil discovery

(Upside down text)
This pipe denotes the location of the first
commercial oil discovery in Texas

(Exploration • Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Satank Killed

November 6, 2012, 10:41 am

≫ Next: Post Headquarters

≪ Previous: First Commercial Oil Discovery in Texas

Oklahoma, Comanche County, Fort Sill

The noted Kiowa chief Sitting Bear (Satank) of the Society of the Ten Bravest was killed beside an elm tree 400 feet due west of here on June 8, 1871, while attacking 4th Cavalry guards.

(Native Americans • Wars, US Indian) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Post Headquarters

November 6, 2012, 10:45 am

≫ Next: Infantry Barracks

≪ Previous: Satank Killed

Oklahoma, Comanche County, Fort Sill

Erected in 1870, and built of limestone quarried from a nearby hill, the Post Headquarters building housed the administrative offices. The Commanding Officer, his executive officer, the adjutant, a sergeant and a signal officer worked here. The adjutant had the authority to execute an order if the Commanding Officer was absent. One of the rooms was used for the Post Library to hold the few periodicals and books that might be shipped from back East. After close of business hours, the Guardhouse became the Post Headquarters for any business that needed to be dealt with or transacted.

In October of 1873, Governor Davis of Texas held a council here and freed Kiowa chiefs Satanta and Big Tree. In July of 1901 29,000 homesteaders gathered at the Headquarters to register for the opening of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Reservation. Captain Dan T. Moore moved the headquarters of the Field Artillery School to the more spacious old post headquarters building when it was vacated by the post commander upon completion of the new post in the fall of 1911. In 1912, the school moved to one of the new unoccupied barracks in the new post area. From 1913-1918 the School of Musketry was here. The Ordnance Department took over and had its offices here until World War II. It is presently used as the Museum's Headquarters.

(Forts, Castles • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian) Includes location, directions, 7 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Infantry Barracks

November 6, 2012, 11:47 am

≫ Next: Comanche Reformed Church

≪ Previous: Post Headquarters

Oklahoma, Comanche County, Fort Sill

This building was originally constructed in 1870 to serve as the commissary storehouse. It is unique among all the historic buildings, having started as a horizontal, log structure resting on a stone foundation over 200 feet in length. By 1872, the increasing numbers of Infantry on post needed additional space, and a new commissary was erected southeast of the quadrangle, freeing this facility for use as a barracks.

Subsequent remodeling saw the replacement of the log walls with more durable limestone. A basement extended half the building's length which was used a shooting gallery during inclement weather. Soon a full-length front porch was added and a new rear wing which accommodated a mess hall and kitchen. A separate stone building was constructed behind the barracks which functioned as a wash house for the 90 soldiers living here. Among the many Infantry units which occupied these barracks were the all-black, 24th and 25th Infantry and also the 11th, 12th, 13th, 16th 18th, and 20th Infantry Regiments.

When the "New Post" was constructed farther west in 1909-11, the old Infantry barracks was used as housing for the ordnance personnel and Detachment "I" of the Field Artillery School. The NCO's quarters were relocated from the center of the building (two center doors) to the extreme east and west at this time. A barber shop was also set up in the southwest corner of the barracks.

Much of the old post was used for "spill over" activities after WWI, and barracks became a warehouse for various organizations. In the 1950's, the former barracks were eventually converted to a Childcare Development Center for "Little Troopers." This new function brought about more alterations to the building such as enclosing the front porch, installing several wood and concrete ramps, and a completely equipped playground.

Today, the old barracks has been returned to its 1875 appearance.

(Forts, Castles • Man-Made Features) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Comanche Reformed Church

November 6, 2012, 11:51 am

≫ Next: 280mm Heavy Motorized Gun M65

≪ Previous: Infantry Barracks

Oklahoma, Comanche County, Lawton

This bell was especially cast for the Comanche Reformed Church when the church was completed in 1905. The bell was used during the ministries of Reverend L.L. Legters, first missionary, and his successors, Reverends H. Sluyter, J. Dykema, R.H. Harper, J.L. Read, and R.P. Chaat.

Reverend Robert Chaat of the Comanche Indian Tribe began his ministry of the Comanche Reformed Church in 1925, and devotedly served his people in this capacity throughout the year 1970. During his long tenure the bell rang out for services, funerals, weddings, and countless other joyous and sad occasions.

In keeping with its historical and sacred associations, this bell is here preserved through the efforts of the Church congregation and the Institute of the Great Plains.

Installed and dedicated, May 30, 1971

(Churches, Etc. • Native Americans) Includes location, directions, 7 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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280mm Heavy Motorized Gun M65

November 6, 2012, 1:05 pm

≫ Next: Henry Clay

≪ Previous: Comanche Reformed Church

Oklahoma, Comanche County, Fort Sill

(left plaque)
At 8:31 a.m. on 25 May 1953 this gun fired the world's first atomic artillery round, at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada. 19 seconds later and 7¾ miles distant, the shell that could wipe out an enemy division exploded on target with a roaring violence equal to 15,000 tons of TNT. 3,100 participating military officers and men crouched some 5,000 yards from the churning mass of heat and flame that surrounded the core of the atomic fireball. The event was a milestone in military history and in the advancement of nuclear weaponry.

The test was carried out at the request of the Atomic Energy Commission and as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Major General A.M. Harper, Commanding General, The Artillery Center, and Commandant, The Artillery School, Fort Sill, was charged with responsibility for the firing. Cannoneers of "A" Battery, 867th Field Artillery Battalion of Fort Sill manned "Atomic Annie" for the shot, thus becoming the first ground troops in history to deliver a nuclear weapon.

The 280mm gun required 8 years of research to develop. When linked up with its two transporters it weighs 85 tons, has a length of 84 feet and a width of 10 feet. The barrel is 40 feet long. It could travel cross-country as well as on roads at a speed of 35 mph, had a range of 20 miles, and all-weather capability. The Mk9 projectile fired at Frenchman's Flat weighed 800 pounds.

Atomic Annie's emplaced here at the same elevation it had when firing the atomic round, 84 mils.

(right plaque)
This plaque commemorates those individuals who were members of the Artillery Test Unit, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, whose combined efforts resulted in the successful firing of the first atomic artillery projectile at Frenchman's Flats, Nevada, on 25 May 1953, marking another milestone in the illustrious history of the Artillery.

[This text is followed by a list of over 200 service members from 11 different organizations who were part of this test]

(Peace • Politics • Science & Medicine • War, Cold) Includes location, directions, 7 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Henry Clay

November 6, 2012, 1:09 pm

≫ Next: The Ringling Brothers

≪ Previous: 280mm Heavy Motorized Gun M65

Kentucky, Fayette County, Lexington

Brought to "Ashland" and its pastures Hereford Cattle from England, in 1817, and added them to his herd of shorthorns. Here he pioneered thoroughbred horse breeding in the Blue Grass. To this farm he brought jack stock from Spain. Here he bred Merino sheep, Red and Belted hogs, and by his example constantly inspired other farmers to improve their livestock. This memorial is presented by "Country Home Magazine" and dedicated by the Kentucky Live Stock Improvement Association October 21, 1937

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

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The Ringling Brothers

November 6, 2012, 1:14 pm

≫ Next: Greenfield, Ohio, Timeline

≪ Previous: Henry Clay

Wisconsin, Dane County, Mazomanie

On November 27, 1882, the Ringling Brothers of Baraboo formally started in the show business in Mazomanie, Wis. Here, in Schmitz Hall was presented The Ringling Bros. Classic and Comic Concert Co. Two years later the brothers started their own circus. Twenty three years later they purchased The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth and became the circus kings of the tented show world.

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

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Greenfield, Ohio, Timeline

November 6, 2012, 8:04 pm

≫ Next: Lucas Tavern

≪ Previous: The Ringling Brothers

Ohio, Highland County, Greenfield

1796
Duncan McArthur leads surveying
party to Greenfield.
Washington elected president

1799
McArthur lays out town of
Greenfield. First road
to town completed.

1801
First inn and first
Justice of Peace.
Ferry built for crossing
Paint Creek.

1802
First industries established:
rope factory and grist mill.

1803
Indians return to hunt.
First school in log home.
Ohio becomes 17th State.

1805
Highland County formed.
New Market county seat.
County militia formed in
Greenfield.

1810
First school building erected.
Tecumseh defeated at Tippecanoe.

1812
War with Britain.
First tannery built.
Travellers Rest built.

1813
First Post Office.

1815
First stage coach arrives.
Public whipping law repealed.

1822
pop. 250
1 church, 2 stores,
wool carding tannery
4 taverns, blacksmith
& cabinetmaker.

1833
Abolitionist Soc. of
Paint Valley founded
in Greenfield.

1835
First covered Bridge built
Over Paint Creek.
Flagstone sidewalks built.

1840
pop. 447

1841
Greenfield Incorporated.

1842
First hotel.

1844
First newspaper.
Frederick Douglass aided
by local Abolitionist Soc.

1848
First Fire Dept.
(The Volunteer Bucket Brigade)
organizes and purchases
hose and wagon.

1850
Pop. 793
150 poles with kerosene lanterns
at intersections.
Underground Railroad
passengers increase.

1851
Council passes poll tax -
every citizen must provide
two days labor on city
streets or pay $3.00.

1854
B & O Railroad
connects to Greenfield.
Camping and livestock
on town square.

1858
Greenfield Agriculture
Society formed.
First county
Agriculture Fair - Oct. 22.

1859
First bank established.
99/yr. Lease secured on
land for town hall.

1860
Citizens vote tax levy
for Town Hall.
Abraham Lincoln elected.

1861
Civil War begins.
Funds for town Hall
used to equip Greenfield's
Company K.

1864
Jail built on Town Square.
Central School built at
Jefferson & 5th.

1865
Local women raid saloons -
up to 3,000 gals. of
liquor dumped into gutters.

1870
First local competitive
sports team.
Baseball played
bare-handed & bare-footed.

1871
First Greenfield
High School
Graduation class.

1874
pop. 1712

1875
D.T.I. Railroad
Connects to Greenfield.

1876
Town Hall Dedicated.
Houses jail, fire dept.
opera house on 3rd floor.

1880
pop. 2,460

1881
Edward Lee McClain
designs first
horse collar pad.

1886
First iron bridge
across Paint Creek.

1894
First electric lights
at intersections.

1897
Mutual Telephone Co.
offers first phone service.
Stone chapel in
Greenfield Cemetery
dedicated.

1898
First full-time
20-member Fire Dept.
Company F Embarks for
Spanish American War.

1900
pop. 4,986

1904
Local Company L
Ohio National Guard
organized.

1906
Chautauqua Park
Established
100 tents,
Main tent seats 2,500.
Gold found in
Paint Creek.

1907
Civil War Monument
Dedicated

1910
Hundreds fill roads to
watch Wright Bros.
airplane flights.

1912
20 grocery stores in town.

1915
Town streets first paved.
Dedication of
McClain High School.

1916
Patterson's $850 automobile
exhibited 9/23
7.5 million horse collar
pads produced by Tapatco.

1917
W.W.I. Company G forms with
143rd Company.

1919
Greenfield Hosp.
opens in Eckman home.

1924
Elementary Bldg. completed

1928
Armory dedicated
Talking movie theater
opens.

1941
W.W.II begins
Greenfield men killed
at Pearl Harbour [sic].

1948
Town's first television.

1949
Sesquicentennial celebrated

1950
Korean War

1952
Rocky Fork Lake built

1960
pop. 5,422

1964
Vietnam War authorized.
Bell Tower dedicated.

1968
Traveller's Rest
reconstructed.

1971
Last passenger train
leaves B&O station.

1974
Paint Creek Lake dedicated.
Greenfield Area
Life Squad established.

1976
Grenfield celebrates
nation's 200th birthday.

1990
pop. - 5,172.
Desert Storm Begins.

1993
Imagination Kingdom
Playground built by
1000 volunteers in 5 days.

1995
Town Square renovated.

1997
Greenfield linked to Internet.

1999
Greenfield celebrates it's [sic]
Bicentennial Year.

2000
pop. - 5,107

2001
War on Terrorism begins

2002
Town Hall Renovated

(Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 51 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Lucas Tavern

November 7, 2012, 3:53 am

≫ Next: Henry O. Flipper

≪ Previous: Greenfield, Ohio, Timeline

Alabama, Montgomery County, Waugh

Stood 2800 feet north of this point, just west of Line Creek on the Federal Road. Moved to Montgomery in 1978 to serve as the Visitor and Information Center for the Old North Hull Historic District, it is the oldest remaining building in Montgomery County. Original proprietor, James Abercrombie, ran it from about 1818. Walter B. Lucas announced his take over of the tavern in the January 6, 1821 issue of the Montgomery Republican. A four-room frame building with a long central hall, the tavern's most famous guest was Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette who stayed here on April 2, 1825 during his triumphant tour of the United States.

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

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Henry O. Flipper

November 7, 2012, 7:50 am

≫ Next: Dr. Lawrence A. Nixon

≪ Previous: Lucas Tavern

Texas, El Paso County, El Paso

Henry Ossian Flipper (1856-1940) was the first African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1877. Born into slavery in Thomasville, Georgia, he came from a family of achievers; his brothers were an African Methodist Episcopal Bishop, a college professor and a farmer.

Commissioned as Lieutenant in the 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, Flipper was stationed at bases in western states and territories. At Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he designed a drainage system, now a National Historic Landmark known as "Flipper's Ditch," that removed standing water, thus minimizing malaria outbreaks.

Despite his many accomplishments, Flipper is most remembered as a victim of racism. In 1882, at Fort Davis, Texas, he was court-martialled on questionable charges. He was eventually acquitted of all charges save one: conduct unbecoming an officer.

Dismissed from the army, Flipper went on to become a civil mining engineer, surveyor, translator, newspaper editor, historian and folklorist in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. For 10 years, he lived in El Paso, working for prominent mining companies. He was appointed Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior during the Harding administration. Flipper tried, but was unable, to clear his name before his death in 1940.

In 1976, the U.S. Army granted Lt. Flipper an honorable discharge, and he received a full presidential pardon of all charges in 1999.

(African Americans) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Dr. Lawrence A. Nixon

November 7, 2012, 7:54 am

≫ Next: Corner Pharmacy

≪ Previous: Henry O. Flipper

Texas, El Paso County, El Paso

Dr. Lawrence Aaron Nixon was a pivotal figure in Texas civil rights. Born in Marshall, Harrison County, Texas, he attended Wiley College and Meharry Medical College and became a physician. He began his medical practice in Cameron, Milam County. In January 1910, after witnessing violent racial strife in the community, Dr. Nixon moved to El Paso. His first wife, Esther (Calvin), and their infant son subsequently joined him here. Dr. Nixon became a charter member of the El Paso chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

As a political activist and registered Democrat, Dr. Nixon challenged state laws that barred African Americans from participation in that party's electoral primaries. In litigation that ultimately went before the U.S. Supreme Court in Nixon v. Herndon (1924) and Nixon v. Condon (1927), he won two landmark victories that would help secure voting rights for U.S. citizens regardless of race. The State of Texas circumvented the rulings for almost two decades, but the precedent set by Dr. Nixon was ultimately affirmed in 1944, and that year he and his second wife, Drusilla (Tandy), voted in the primaries. The couple continued to work toward the development of civil rights throughout their lifetimes.

Well-loved and respected, Dr. Nixon was considered a visionary as he sought to establish an El Paso hospital for African American tubercular patients and a cultural center for people of color. After 53 years of dedicated, distinguished medical practice, Dr. Nixon retired in 1963 and lived his remaining years in El Paso.

(African Americans • Civil Rights) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Corner Pharmacy

November 7, 2012, 8:22 pm

≫ Next: War Memorial

≪ Previous: Dr. Lawrence A. Nixon

Ohio, Highland County, Greenfield

Circa 1899
"Daniels Cigars"

Circa 1939
Heidingsfeld Clothes Store
Harper Hotel

Circa 1948
W. E. Seilkop Corner Rexall
"Grand Opening"

(Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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War Memorial

November 7, 2012, 8:52 pm

≫ Next: Freedom Brutus

≪ Previous: Corner Pharmacy

Ohio, Highland County, Greenfield

This memorial dedicated to
all that served:
WWII • Korea
Vietnam • Desert Storm

World War II
1941 - 1945
[Roll of Honored Dead]

Korean War
1950 - 1953
[Roll of Honored Dead]

Vietnam
1965 - 1973
[Roll of Honored Dead]

Dedicated Aug. 18, 1996

(War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm • War, Korean • War, Vietnam • War, World II) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Freedom Brutus

November 7, 2012, 9:26 pm

≫ Next: First School House

≪ Previous: War Memorial

Ohio, Franklin County, Columbus

Dedicated to our fine young men and
women that serve our armed forces

Was made possible through the
"Brutus on Parade" program benefitting the
William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library.

www.BrutusOnParade.com

(Education • Man-Made Features • Patriots & Patriotism) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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First School House

November 8, 2012, 5:26 am

≫ Next: Brewster County

≪ Previous: Freedom Brutus

Texas, Brewster County, Marathon

Oldest school building in Brewster County. Built in 1888. Used for all public meetings and all elections. Restored in 1928 by ladies of Marathon Study Club. Is known as the Club House.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965

(Education • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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