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The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ******************************************************************************** CALLAHAN COUNTY HISTORICAL MARKERS The Texas Historical Commission http://www.thc.state.tx.us/index.html ADMIRAL BAPTIST CHURCH Marker #88 Location: From Baird, take Highway I-20 east about 5 miles to exit 313, then follow FM 2228 south about 6.3 miles to Admiral City: Baird vicinity Marker Erected: 1986 Marker Text: Organized in 1881 with nine charter members, this church first served pioneer settlers of the Admiral community. Services were conducted in a family log cabin, under brush arbors, or in local schoolhouses until members built a sanctuary here near the turn of the century. Known early as Shiloh Baptist, the congregation adopted the community name in 1905. The church disbanded in 1968, but the building and nearby cemetery remain as reminders of Admiral, a settlement that once included stores, doctors, a gin, school, and post office. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986. Supplemental Plate: The Historic Admiral Baptist Church building, located east of the cemetery, was destroyed in a fire set by vandals in 1993. FIRST ANGLICAN CHURCH SERVICE IN THE CALLAHAN AREA Marker #2069 Location: From Abilene, take SH 36 southeast about 15 miles, then follow FM 1178 south about 2 miles (past Dudley community) City: Abilene vicinity Marker Erected: 1976 Marker Text: Alexander Charles Garrett (1832-1924), a native of Ireland, came to Canada as an Anglican Missionary. Later he moved to San Francisco, and then to Omaha, Nebraska. In 1874 he was sent to Dallas as bishop of the Northern Missionary District of Texas. Here he served an area of 100,000 square miles, traveling mostly on horseback or in horse-drawn vehicles. Captain John Trent, born 1839 in South Carolina, moved to Texas from Tennessee in 1875 with wife, children, and other relatives. The family built a log house here at Tecumseh Peak and raised sheep and cattle. Going to market in Dallas, Captain Trent met Bishop Garrett, who offered to visit him at his ranch. In a first effort the Bishop lost his way, but the next year found the homestead. Neighbors thronged in, and on February 23, 1878, an Anglican service was held "for the first time in these wild mountains." Later Bishop Garrett was presiding bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. On the centennial of his birth (1932), churchmen, led by the Rev. Willis Gerhart of Abilene, joined with Masonic bodies of Dallas and this area in erecting the cross at this site to mark his visit of 1878. (1976) BELLE PLAIN Marker #360 Location: From Baird, take US 283 south about 8 miles, then take county road about .75 east, then go north about 1 mile City: Baird vicinity Marker Erected: 1936 Marker Text: First official county seat of Callahan County, 1877-1883. The first unofficial county seat was Callahan City where the commissioners court was organized, July 30, 1877, and several civil and probate cases filed by an invalid election, October 13th, and a valid election, December 9, 1877 Belle Plain was selected. On January 16, 1883, the county seat was located at Baird. SITE OF BELLE PLAIN COLLEGE Marker #4729 Location: From Baird, take US 283 south about 6 miles, then go east about 2.5 miles City: Baird vicinity Marker Erected: 1969 Marker Text: Early college of West Texas. Founded in 1881 by Methodist Church. Enrollment reached peak of 300 and students attended from throughout the region. College developed a superior course of study, with special strength in music. It had an orchestra and a brass band. A girl's dormitory was built soon after founding, and in 1885 a 3-story stone building was erected. School also had a military branch in town. Pupils wore blue and gray uniforms. After town lost both county seat and many citizens to Baird, 1883, college eventually closed. (1969). BELLE PLAINE CEMETERY Marker #361 Location: From Baird, take US 283 South about 8 miles, then go East on county road about 1.5 miles City: Baird Marker Erected: 1992 Marker Text: Residents of the short-lived community of Belle Plaine were burying their dead at this site as early as 1878. Although the presence of unmarked graves suggests earlier possible usage, the oldest marked grave, that of sixteen-year-old Virgil Hill, dates to that year. Belle Plaine residents informally established a community cemetery here on vacant land. The graveyard was located within a larger tract of land that was owned by the state until 1861 and later by several railroad companies. Its last private owner, the Texas & Pacific Railway Company, purchased the tract that included this graveyard in 1879 when it anticipated routing its railroad through Belle Plaine. However, in 1883 the route was changed to pass through nearby Baird. In response, the railway company deeded the cemetery property to Callahan County the following year. Though the community of Belle Plaine had declined by 1909, burials have continued to take place. Those interred here include area pioneers, their descendants, and veterans. The historic burial ground remains an important cultural resource in this area. (1992) CAPTAIN ANDREW JACKSON BERRY Marker #709 Location: Ross Cemetery, US 283 North, Baird. (marker in left-hand section as one enters cemetery) City: Baird Marker Erected: 1936 Marker Text: Born in Indiana May 16, 1816. Died at Baird, Texas July 31, 1899. Veteran of San Jacinto. Officer in the Confederate Army. BURKETT PECAN TREE Marker #573 Location: 2 miles E of Putnam on US 80 City: Putnam Marker Erected: 1966 Marker Text: Bred from a native tree, 1900, by J. H. Burkett (1861-1945), Texas pecan industry leader. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966. CALLAHAN CITY Marker #4737 Location: From Baird, take FM 2228 Southeast about 8.5 miles City: Callahan City Marker Erected: 1977 Marker Text: Callahan County was created in 1858 and named for Texas Ranger James H. Callahan (1814-56). Permanent settlement of this area began after the Civil War (1861- 65). Residents petitioned in 1877 for organization of county government. Callahan City, then a village with two stores and a post office, became temporary county seat when the first commissioners court met here on July 30, 1877. The nearby town of Belle Plaine won a spirited election for permanent county seat in December 1877. After the Callahan City post office moved there six months later, this community soon disappeared. (1977) CALLAHAN CITY CEMETERY Marker #633 Location: From Baird, take US 80 East about 4 miles, then go south on FM 2228 about 2.5 miles City: Baird vicinity Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Established prior to the organization of Callahan County in 1877. Burial place of many pioneers who came here during era of Indians and great early ranches. Served people of such bygone towns as Admiral, Callahan City, and other neighboring communities. (1967) CALLAHAN COUNTY Marker #634 Location: Front lawn of Courthouse, Baird; on US 20 Business City: Baird Marker Erected: 1936 Marker Text: Formed from Bexar Territory, created February 1, 1858; recreated August 21, 1876; organized July 3, 1877. Named in Honor of James H. Callahan, 1812-1856 soldier in the Texas Revolution, captain of the Texas Rangers. County Seat, Callahan City, 1877; Belle Plain, 1877-1883; Baird, since two early military roads, the Chisholm Trail, and the first government telegraph line traversed this region. FIRST CALLAHAN JAIL Marker #1694 Location: Courthouse Square City: Baird Marker Erected: 1965 Marker Text: Built 1878, Belle Plaine. Baird citizens paid bill for removal here, 1883, after election contest. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1965. JAMES H. CALLAHAN MONUMENT Marker #12465 Location: Courthouse lawn City: Baird Marker Erected: 1934 Marker Text: County Organized July 3, 1877 Named for James H. Callahan Ranger, Captain and Indian Fighter CAMP PECAN, C.S.A. Marker #670 Location: Courthouse grounds, Baird; US 20 Business City: Baird Marker Erected: 1963 Marker Text: This Civil War camp of the Texas frontier regiment was located 21 miles southeast. Established in 1862 as one of a line of posts a day's horseback ride apart. The number of men guarding the frontier were few. Trouble came from all directions with Indian threats and raids from the west and plundering renegades and deserters from the east. Food, supplies, clothing and horses were constantly scarce. But in spite of all obstacles, these Confederates managed to effectively hold the frontier line of settlement. A Memorial to Texans who served the Confederacy, erected by the State of Texas 1963. CLYDE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH Marker #923 Location: 217 Oak Street City: Clyde Marker Erected: 1986 Marker Text: Organized in 1884, the Methodist congregation at Clyde met in private homes until their first church building was erected on this site in 1904. The white frame structure was replaced in 1936 by this sanctuary, built of stone donated by church members. Featuring elements of the English Gothic style, the one-story rough-rock sanctuary boasts a steeply-pitched roof, pointed-arch window at the gable end, and a round-arched entry. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1986. COMMUNITY OF CLYDE Marker #1006 Location: Intersection of Oak and N. 1st Street, (near railroad tracks) City: Clyde Marker Erected: 1980 Marker Text: Settlers began moving to this area when the Texas and Pacific Railroad completed its line in December 1880. Many located near the commissary of railroad crew foreman Robert Clyde, for whom the town is named. A post office was established in 1881. The schoolhouse was used for church meetings and local court proceedings. A sign on the water tower in 1920 proclaimed Clyde "The California of Texas" because of its fertile soil and shallow water table. On three separate occasions, in 1895, 1938, and 1950, destructive tornadoes have hit the community. (1980) COTTONWOOD BANK AND POST OFFICE Marker #1080 Location: FM 1079 at Center Street City: Cottonwood Marker Erected: 1978 Marker Text: W. F. Griffin opened a bank about 1911 in this small frame building. With Griffin as a director, Paul Ramsey served as the first president. His duties included teller, cashier, loan officer and custodian. When the railroad bypassed Cottonwood, merchants and residents moved away. In January 1915, the bank closed. In 1918 Hazel Respess opened a post office in the building and ran it for the next 50 years. In 1975, postal service here was stopped. This spot has been a gathering place for the community. (1978) SITE OF COTTONWOOD SPRINGS Marker #4764 Location: On FM 1079 about .2 mile west of FM 880 City: Cottonwood Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: After Indians on High Plains were subdued (1874) by Gen. R. S. MacKenzie, settlers started to pour into this area, where they found abundant game, water, and good soil for ranching, farming. Cottonwood Springs, at head of Green Briar Creek, was one of first villages founded (in 1875). The town soon became a trading center for southeastern part of county. It had several stores, two churches, and a school; and although usually peaceful, it experienced many gun battles. The town name was shortened to "Cottonwood" after first post office was established in 1883. (1968) FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BAIRD Marker #1610 Location: Race and W. 3rd Streets City: Baird Marker Erected: 1983 Marker Text: Organized in 1881 with nine charter members, this was the first Baptist Church founded in the new town of Baird. Elder G. P. Johnson led worship services until the Rev. L. S. Knight was called as the first full-time pastor. After meeting in the town schoolhouse for a few years, a church building was completed at this site in 1889, and the first parsonage was built in 1892. The congregation continued to grow and produced several ministers from its membership. Active in mission work, the church has been a vital part of community life in Baird. (1983) FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BAIRD Marker #1827 Location: Intersection of 4th Street and US 20 Business City: Baird Marker Erected: 1969 Marker Text: Organized June 26, 1885, by six members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, under the Rev. F. E. Leach. Town of Baird was then five years old. In 1906, the Cumberland and "northern" branches of the church were united. The present building was erected in 1910. (1969) FORT MASON - CAMP COOPER MILITARY ROAD Marker #1995 Location: Treadway Park on SH 36, western city limits City: Cross Plains Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Route for U.S. 2nd Cavalry and supplies from San Antonio to Fort Mason (about 100 miles south of here) to Camp Cooper (about 65 miles north) in campaigns of 1851-1861 against Plains Indians. Great military men of American history traveled this road, including Robert E. Lee (later a commanding general, C.S.A.) and George T. Thomas, "Rock of Chickamauga." Callahan County Historical Survey Committee, 1967. OLD FORT PHANTOM HILL CORN ROAD Marker #3732 Location: From Clyde, take Highway 604 northwest about 5 miles, just inside ranch gate entrance City: Clyde Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Founded 1851 for supply operations between Austin and the frontier post of Fort Phantom Hill. Traversed the county diagonally from the northwest to the southeast. Although regular troops withdrew from Phantom Hill in 1854, and supply line was discontinued, road was often used by emigrants, troops, surveyors, others. Callahan County Historical Survey Committee, 1967. ALEXANDER CHARLES GARRETT MONUMENT Marker #110 Location: Abilene, take SH 36 southeast about 15 miles, then take FM 9178 south about 2 miles (past Dudley Community) City: Abilene vicinity Marker Erected: 1932 Marker Text: (South face) "I rode horseback from Dallas, there were no roads. I failed to find them. After a year, I returned in a buckboard." "Captain John Trent's home was filled, and for the first time in these wild mountains the services of the church were celebrated on this spot February 23, 1878." (West face) Inspector General Honorary, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry. This tablet erected by the Scottish Rite Masons of Dallas as a loving tribute to the memory of a great and good Mason, whose benign influence was a potent factor in the progress and development of the fraternity for more than half a century. (1932) HITTSON RANCH HEADQUARTERS ON BATTLE CREEK Marker #2499 Location: from Putnam, take FM 2945 east about 4 miles (on right-of-way) City: Putnam vicinity Marker Erected: 1984 Marker Text: Nearby Battle Creek was given its name in 1840 by a small band of men who had traveled to this area in search of hostile Indians. A fight took place near the creek when a raiding party attacked the group. Approximately, twenty years later, cattleman John Hittson (1831-1880) established his ranch headquarters at the site of the battleground. The headquarters, used only when cattle were rounded up from surrounding lands, consisted of corrals, branding pens, and a small shelter. It is believed to be the first ranching headquarters established in Callahan County. (1984) WILLIAM JEFF MALTBY Marker #5831 Location: In Belie Plaine Cemetery, from Baird, take US 283 South about 8 miles then go East 1.5 mile. City: Baird Marker Erected: 1992 Marker Text: (December 7, 1829 - June 27, 1908) A native of Illinois, William Jeff Maltby gained fame as a frontiersman, veteran of the Mexican War and American Civil War and Texas Ranger. Maltby began his Texas exploits about 1850, building frontier forts for the U. S. Army. He retired to Callahan County in 1878 and developed a nursery that earned him national recognition as a fine horticulturist. Maltby co-authored a partial autobiography, published in 1906, called "Captain Jeff". Recorded - 1992. MERCHANT HOME Marker #3343 Location: from Baird, take US 283 south about 8 miles, then take county road 2.5 miles east for about .75 mile and turn north; follow road north to private property City: Baird vicinity Marker Erected: 1962 Marker Only MILITARY TELEGRAPH LINE Marker #3378 Location: from Baird, take US 80 east to Finely exit and take Finley Road east about 3.2 miles City: Baird Marker Erected: 1936 Marker Text: Established in 1874-1875 from Fort Griffin to Fort Concho, crossed here. (1936) PREW HOUSE Marker #5406 Location: Intersection of Bluebonnet and N. 1st Street City: Clyde Marker Erected: 1970 Marker Text: Typically Victorian in style. Built in 1906 by Frank X. Prew, who emigrated from Wisconsin in 1889, desiring to live in a young country. He began a small farm and worked on railroad. Structure is mainly pine. The oak wainscoting downstairs has decorative beading, as does woodwork on windows and doors. Gingerbread trim appears on front gable. Old water well and food-storage cellar are still in good condition. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1970. TEXAS & PACIFIC RAILWAY DEPOT Marker #5241 Location: South Market Street City: Baird Marker Erected: 1985 Marker Text: In 1881, the first story of this brick depot was built as a station for the Texas & Pacific Railway. Two years later, a second floor was added to the structure, and the new railroad town of Baird was chosen Callahan County seat. The Renaissance Revival depot, which features decorative brickwork, was used by the railroad until 1977. Its presence is a reminder of the town's importance as a shipping point for the T & P Railway for over 60 years. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -1985. J.D. WINDHAM Marker #4030 Location: In Tecumseh Cemetery, from Abilene, take SH 36 south about 15 miles, follow FM 1128 south about 6 miles City: Abilene vicinity Marker Erected: 1966 Marker Text: (Feb. 13, 1816 - Jan. 11, 1901) Born in Alabama, moved to Texas 1839. Married Frances Monteith and had nine children. Was first doctor in Brown County, 1865; and in Callahan County, 1874; owned general store; planted county's first orchard here in Tecumseh. Recorded 1966.