Markers
45 Texas Historical markers that document history where numerous historical events happened beginning in 1541.
- Marker Title: Hank Smith Rock House (Replica Medallion) Crosbyton
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1965
- Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- Marker Location: Pioneer Memorial Museum, corner of FM 651, and US 82, Crosbyton
- Marker Title: Old Dewey Lake
- Address: 4 mi. E on US 82
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take US 82 about 4 miles East
- Marker Text: Once an important landmark for early surveys of this area, Dewey Lake got its name after surveyors returned from here to headquarters and found, to their embarrassment, they had not yet named this site. Gallantly, they decided to call it after land office employee Miss Dewey. Lake Shore was site of Texas Ranger Camp "Roberts" (1879-1882) and the "Stag House," barracks for the cowboys of the Two Buckle Ranch. Surveyors often camped here, too. The lake disappeared in the 1880s after two creeks eroded its shores, forming a new channel which drained the lake basin. 1968
- Marker Title: Main Supply Camp on Historic Mackenzie Trail
- Location: 3 miles east on U.S. 82
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take US 82 about 4 miles East
- Marker Text: Trail followed by Gen. Ranald Mackenzie, U.S. 4th Cavalry in 1871 frontier campaign. He camped at Dewey Lake after brush with Indians. In 1872, he was again ordered to ferret out the Comanches. From his main supply camp on Brazos River Freshwater Fork (now White River), he launched a drive against Quanah Parker. Ended with fights in Palo Duro and Tule Canyons, last battles between Indians and Cavalry in this area; opened the Plains to white settlement. 1967
- Marker Title: Texas Ranger Camp
- Address: 4 mi. E on US 82
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take US 82 about 4 miles East
- Marker Text: Law and order for plains area began here in 1879 with creation of Camp Roberts, first ranger station in Panhandle. Company C of the newly formed Frontier Battalion of Texas Rangers was located here and commanded by Captain G. W. Arrington, Civil War veteran, hard-fighting Ranger, later a Panhandle sheriff and rancher. Battalion commander was Maj. John B. Jones. Frontier Battalion was created to protect settlers from marauding Indians and outlaws; rowdy cowboys also needed disciplining. Captain Arrington's C Company was to have 75 men to meet these duties--he never had more than 28. A large territory and few men to cover it meant scouting parties always on the move. Living conditions on the vast, arid plains, scouting trips, encounters with violence, long watches over dangerous captives made a Ranger's life hard. Each man was self-supporting, furnishing his own saddle, ropes, guns, clothing, horse, bedding; he received small salary, ammunition and food from the state. Shooting matches provided much of his off-duty entertainment. By 1881 local Indian menace was removed; Rangers went to new frontier, 1882. Remnants of Camp Roberts today are foundations of three sod buildings around an old well used by the Rangers. 1967
- Marker Title: Site of Estacado (Lubbock/Crosby County Line)
- Address: 8 mi. N. on FM 378; 2 mi. W on FM 1527
- City: Lorenzo
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1936
- Marker Location: From Lorenzo, take FM 378 North about 8 miles to FM 1527, and follow FM 1527 West about 2 miles.
- Marker Text: A town founded in 1879 by a colony of English Quakers under the leadership of Isaac Paris Cox who purchased for them 32 sections of land. The town, first named Marietta in honor of Mary Cox, wife of the leader, was renamed Estacado in 1886 when Crosby County was organized. By 1893 the colony had disintegrated. Moved in 1895 to Galveston County. 1936
- Marker Title: Emma
- Address: SH 207 at US 82/114
- City: Ralls
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 2004
- Marker Location: approx. 3.8 miles S of intersection of SH 207 and US 82/114
- Marker Text: In the spring of 1891, merchants R.L. Stringfellow and H.E. Hume, of nearby Estacado founded the town of Emma. Named in honor of Stringfellow's future wife, Emma Savior (or Sevall). The two men organized a general store and laid out the townsite, which opened with a picnic and town lots sale.
- In the fall of that year, the county seat was moved from Estacado to Emma; residents dismantled the Estacado courthouse and moved it piece by piece to its new site on Emma's town square. Along with the courthouse came many of Estacado's businesses, including the Crosby County News, edited by J.W. Murray. Land speculators, including Julian Bassett of C.B. Livestock Co. and John R. Ralls, founder of the town of Ralls, also came to the area.
- During the next two decades, Emma experienced a boom. By 1910, the town had several hundred residents, supporting a post office, the Meyer Hotel and a school. That year, however, the South Plains Railroad bypassed the community by approximately five miles, traveling from Lubbock to Crosbyton. Later, Ralls became an additional stop along the railway. County residents voted in a disputed election to move the county seat to Crosbyton. Soon most of Emma's residences and businesses were moved to Crosbyton and Ralls; the old courthouse was hauled to Cedric, where it served as housing and was eventually razed.
- Although the area around Emma is still agricultural, the former county seat quickly became a ghost town as residents moved to other communities. Today, the Emma Cemetery is the only remaining link to the men and women who once inhabited the town.
- Grave Marker of Hank & Elizabeth Smith
- Location: Emma Cemetery, 5.5 miles SW off F.M. 122, S. of Ralls
- "Mother Elizabeth Smith Born in Dairy, Scotland July 12, 1848
- Died in Mt. Blanco, TX, June 5, 1925
- Father HENRY C. Smith born in Germany Aug. 15, 1836
- Died in Mt. Blanco, TX, May 19, 1912
- Affectionately known by everyone as ´Uncle Hank´ and ´Aunt Hank´ Smith. He came to Crosby County in 1876 and built the "Rock House" in Blanco Canyon in 1877. The lumber in this house was hauled by ox wagon from Fort Worth. Aunt Hank came in the fall of 1878. Here the first post-office in the Panhandle of Texas was established in 1879. Aunt Hank served as postmistress from this date until 1916.
- The house Uncle Hank built so well is standing today in good shape and is now known as ´The old Rock House´. Here Aunt Hank always had a spare room for the sick cowboy or the weary traveler. She was nurse, doctor, teacher and mother to all who came that way.
- This memorial erected by their children in loving remembrance and appreciation of good father and mother. (1927)"
- Marker Title: City of Lorenzo
- Address: 409 Van Buren Lawn of Community Center
- City: Lorenzo
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1966
- Marker Location: Lawn of Community Center, 409 Van Buren, Lorenzo
- Marker Text: Founded when Crosbyton-South Plains Railway ran first train here, April 10, 1911. Named for Lorenzo Dow, employee of C. B. Livestock Company, which promoted the town, and in 1914 encouraged area to plant cotton. Incorporated in 1924. Now a center of cotton growing, with fine churches, school, businesses. 1966
- Marker Title: Lorenzo Cemetery
- Address: Lorenzo, Texas
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 2003
- Marker Location: FM 378, 1.8 mi. N of US 82/114, at CR 105
- Marker Text: In 1876, the Texas Legislature created the Crosby Land District, which included several present-day Panhandle counties. Ranchers soon began establishing large ranches throughout the region, and in 1890, brothers Avery, John Stuart, Howard and Prentiss Coonley of Chicago joined with Julian Bassett of New York to form the C.B. Livestock Company. In 1910, the company planned a rail line from Crosbyton to Lubbock, with towns platted along the route. It named the one here for Lorenzo Dow, a company attorney, and in 1916 it deeded land at this site to the county for a community cemetery. The first burial in Lorenzo Cemetery was reportedly that of a child who died of whooping cough in 1916. The first marked grave, dating to 1918, is that of W.A. Greenhill. Over the years, volunteers and local groups, including a cemetery association, have provided maintenance, helping to preserve th collective history of Lorenzo. The county sold the property in 1995 to the City of Lorenzo, and today the cemetery is a link to generations of men, women and children who made unique and lasting contributions to the community. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2003
- Marker Title: R.M. Wheeler Home (South Lorenzo)
- Address: 14.5 mi. S on FM 378; 1 mi. E on co. rd.
- City: Lorenzo
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1966
- Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- Marker Location: From Lorenzo, take FM 378 south about 14.5 mile then take County Road east and follow 1 mile to ranch house.
- Marker Text: Built 1915. Replaced half dugout. Family continues to occupy as ranch headquarters. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966.
- Marker Title: Early Settlers of Ralls
- Address: Main & Watts Streets
- City: Ralls
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1966
- Location: SW corner of City Square, Watts & Main Street, Ralls
- Marker Text: In Memory of the early settlers of Ralls founded 1911 donated by Ralls Garden Club 1966.
- Marker Title: City of Ralls
- City of Ralls
- Address: Main & Watts St.
- City: Ralls
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Marker Location: City square, Watts and Main Street, Ralls.
- Marker Text: Founded by John R. Ralls, who donated land for a townsite. He erected greater part of the business district and gave free sites plus much of the cost of building each church in town. In 1911, he contributed 12 acres for school site. He also offered donation of 2,000 acres for site of Texas Technological College. Ralls, born in Culloden, Georgia, November 13, 1863; moved West in 1880's. After settling litigation with C.B. Livestock Company, sponsors of towns of Crosbyton and Cedric, Ralls secured railroad station, 1916; city was incorporated January 6, 1922, after death of founder. 1967
- Marker Title: John R. Ralls Building
- Address: 801 Main Street
- City: Ralls
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- Marker Location: Watts and Main Street, Ralls.
- Marker Text: The largest of more than two blocks of business houses built between 1915 and 1919 by John R. Ralls, founder of this town. Used by the First National Bank which closed in 1930; the housed the Southwestern Public Service office until 1964. Ralls donated his ranch land for lots for early homesites, the city square, the public school and all organized churches after the railroad by-passed Emma and crossed his land. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967.
- Marker Title: John Robinson Ralls (Ralls) Marker
- Location: Ralls Cemetery
- Address: 0.7 mi. W on US 82, in Ralls Cemetery
- City: Ralls
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Marker Location: From Ralls, take US 82 about .7 mile West to Ralls Cemetery.
- Marker Text: Born on a Monroe County, Georgia, plantation; came to Texas, 1890. In 1906, traded flourishing general store for 10,000-acre ranch. Founded Ralls, 1911, at point where Crosbyton-South Plains Railroad crossed land. Donated land for townsite and gave 12 acres for first school. Built most of business houses including first theater. Gave lots plus much of construction costs for all churches in town. Recorded, 1967.
- Marker Title: City of Crosbyton
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1966
- Marker Location: Pioneer Memorial Building Lawn, corner of FM 651 and Highway SH 114/US 82, Crosbyton
- "Founded 1908 on ´Cutting Grounds´ of C.B. Livestock Company which built a school, Supply Store, Railroad and Inn to encourage settlers. By 1911, had 1,000 citizens, was county seat. Today is center of Rich Irrigated Farm Land. Home of Pioneer Museum.
- Gateway to White River Dam. (1966)."
- Marker Title: Crosby County Courthouses
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1966
- Marker Location: Courthouse corner of Aspen and Berkshire, Crosbyto.
- Marker Text: Crosby County, created in 1876 and organized 1886, had its first county seat at Estacado (founded 1879 by a colony of Quakers). It was on a mail and stage road, in the northeast corner of the county. Freight hauling of materials was slow. County offices were in dugouts, shacks and wagons for two years, until the first courthouse could be completed in 1888. The second county seat was established in 1890 at Emma (named for the fiancee of R. L. Stringfellow, one of the town's promoters), nine miles west of here. The courthouse at Estacado was taken down, moved and rebuilt at cost of $3,000. It served 20 years. When the Crosbyton-South Plains Railroad was built in 1910, Emma was four miles off its route. Crosbyton won an election as the new county seat, and Julian Bassett (one of the founders of Crosbyton) donated a site for the courthouse. The county court met in the schoolhouse until the building of the present courthouse and jail in 1914. County judge at that time was Pink Parrish. Commissioners were John K. Fullingim, W. E. McLaughlin, J. A. Noble and R. M. Wheeler. This commemoration is by the 1965 Commissioners Court. County judge, Cecil Berry; Commissioners: Leilan Caddell, Curt Hendrick, Jack Henry, W. C. Odom. 1966
- Marker Title: Crosby County Courthouse
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 2000
- Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- Marker Location: Aspen and Berkshire streets, Crosbyton.
- Marker Text: Two years after Crosby County voters chose the new town of Crosbyton as their county seat in 1910, the courts finally resolved the subsequent election disputes, and the Crosby County commissioners set about the business of constructing a new courthouse. Fort Worth architect M. L. Waller designed this building in the Neo-Classical style, featuring a full-height entry with triangular pediment supported by columns. Contractor S. Goodrum of Sweetwater completed the courthouse in late 1914, and it has served as the center of politics and government in Crosby County since that time. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2000
- Crosby County Courthouse
- Location: Courthouse Square, Crosbyton
- "Crosby County created in 1876 and organized in 1886, had its first county seat at Estacado (founded 1879 by a colony of Quakers). It was a mail and stage road, in the northeast corner of the county. Freight hauling of materials was slow. County offices were in dugouts, shacks and wagons for two years, until the first courthouse could be completed in 1888.
- The second county seat was established in 1890 at Emma, (Named for the fiancee of R.L. Stringfellow, one of the town´s promoters), nine miles west of here. The courthouse at Estacado was taken down, moved an rebuilt at cost of $3,000. It served 20 years.
- When the Crosbyton-South Plains Railroad was built in 1910, Emma was four miles off its route. Crosbyton won an election as the new county seat, and Julian Bassett (one of the founders of Crosbyton) donated a site for the courthouse. The county court met in the school house until the building of the present courthouse and jail in 1914. County judge at that time was Pink Parrish. Commissioners were John K. Fullingim, W.E. McLaughlin, J.A. Noble and R.M. Wheeler.
- This commemoration is by the 1965 commissioners court. County Judge, Cecil Berry; commissioners: Leilan Caddell, Curt Hendrick, Jack Henry, W.C. Odom."
- Marker Title: C. B. Livestock Building
- Work Building)Crosbyton
- Address: 119 Aspen St.
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1966
- Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- Marker Location: 119 Aspen Street, Crosbyton.
- Marker Text: Using a part of -N- range land, C.B. Livestck Company laid out townsite in 1908. This building constructed in 1910 of concrete blocks made in dugout one block east. Housed town's first meat market. In continuous use ever since. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966.
- Marker Title: Citizens National Bank Building site
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1965
- Marker Location: Corner of First and Berkshire Streets, Crosbyton.
- Marker Text: Site of Crosbyton's first bank. In 1909, First State Bank (soon named First National) opened in a new two-story concrete block and stone building, erected by C. B. Livestock Company. For bank, office use. In 1917, Citizens National Bank (est. 1905) purchased the property upon its move here from Emma, then county seat. December 14, 1929, the two banks merged. A new bank building was erected over the original basement and part of the old foundation in 1952. Present stockholders and directors are: R. A. Jefferies, Russell McCurdy, John Hughes, Leslie Mitchell, James C. Reed, John Brown. 1965
- Marker Title: Lamar Building (Crosbyton)
- Address: Lowrie Drug Store Bldg.
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Marker Location: On Lowrie Drug Store, First Hotel, Crosbyton.
- Marker Text: Site of Crosbyton Inn, first hotel here, built 1908, by C. B. Livestock Company to help promote area for cotton farming. A two-story frame building, it was mecca for travelers and land buyers. After fire in 1912, hotel rebuilt over original basement. It was razed in 1920s. A brick office and apartment building was erected by E. H. Hendricks in 1926; purchased 1944 by W. P. Lamar and renamed Lamar Building. Lamar (1889-1946), farmer, businessman, was son of pioneer of Crosby County. 1967
- Marker Title: High Plains Pioneer Henry Clay Smith (1836-1912)
- Address: US 82 & Fm 651
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1965
- Marker Location: Pioneer Memorial Museum, Intersection of FM 651, and US 82, Crosbyton.
- Marker Text: First to set up a post office and to farm in Crosby County; first to break land and drill a water well on High Plains. At start of Civil War, he was miner at Pinos Altos, New Mexico and joined in moves to take gold and silver mines for South. But Indian raids closed mines. When the Confederate Army withdrew from Arizona and Mexico in 1861, Smith along with others joined the South's cause. Served four years in Texas and spent rest of his life here. Replica of old rock house he built near here in 1877 is now shown in museum at Crosbyton. 1965
- Hank & Elizabeth Smith Centennial Marker (Pioneer Memorial Building, 1936, Crosbyton
- Location: Pioneer Memorial Building Lawn, Crosbyton
- In Memory of Henry Clay Smith, "Uncle Hank"...born in Germany, August 15, 1836, died May 20, 1912 and Elizabeth Boyle Smith, "Aunt Hank"...born July 12, 1848, died, June 5, 1925. Pioneers of the Plains, Builders of the Rock House, 1877, a monument to frontier hospitality.
- "They sleep above the cap rock at old Emma.
- Erected by the state of Texas 1936."
- Marker Title: Julian M. Bassett (1873-1947)
- Marker Location: US 82, 2 miles E, in Crosbyton Cemetery
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Marker Text: "Dec. 4, 1873 - Dec. 29, 1947 New York native Julian Marcus Bassett migrated to Texas with his parents in 1882. A rancher and businessman, he helped establish the C. B. Livestock Company. In order to promote company land sales in the area, Bassett had the townsite of Crosbyton platted in 1907. He later organized construction of the Crosbyton South Plains Rail Line which helped the town become the county seat in 1911. This site was donated by Bassett for use as a public cemetery. Recorded - 1980."
- Julian Bassett Marker
- Location: Pioneer Memorial Building, Crosbyton.
- "Julian M. Bassett In honored memory of our husband and father. Wife - Cora, Son - Roger, Daughters Elizabeth, Martha, and Lois. Julian M. Bassett, often referred to as the Father of Crosbyton came to Crosby County in 1900.
- Managed the C. B. Livestock Company and Bar N Ranch."
- Crosby County Land District (5´x8´ Marble Map, Pioneer Memorial Building, Crosbyton)
- Location: Pioneer Memorial Museum, West wing, Crosbyton
- "Crosby County, created in 1876, became a land district by act of the state legislature in 1887. The ten counties above included in the double lines were attached to Crosby County for judicial and other purposes until they were organized and had built their own courthouses. The act passed the house by a vote of 76 yeas, no nays; and passed the senate by a vote of 24 yeas, no nays. Approved April 1, 1887. Some of the leading early day brands are also shown on this map. Erected October 1970."
- Marker Title: Lamar Family
- Address: 1 mi. E on US 82, in Crosbyton Cemetery
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1980
- Marker Location: Crosbyton Cemetery from Crosbyton, take US 82 1 mile East
- Marker Text: In 1892 William Percy Lamar (1889-1946) came with his parents from Tarrant County to Crosby County, settling on a 160-acre homestead. He married Sarah Elzina Henson (1892-1963) in 1912. They prospered through farming, dairying, stock raising, and business. In 1957 Elzina established the Percy and Zina Lamar Foundation. Gifts to the community include building and continued support of Crosby County Pioneer Memorial Museum and Community Center, a tribute to the Lamar Family and all West Texas Pioneers. Other gifts include a Masonic Hall and donations to Methodist charities. 1980
- Mrs. W.P.(Zina) Lamar & Marie Lamar Memorial Marker (Marble at Pioneer Memorial Building, Crosbyton)
- Location: Pioneer Memorial Building, Crosbyton.
- "In Memory of Mrs. Zina Lamar and Daughter Marie who gave of themselves for the benefit of all, through the past and future years, with love they have provided a helping hand. "Let us rise and build so they strengthened their hands for this good work." Neh:2-18
- In appreciation for their contributions to this community.
- This monument is erected by the people of Crosbyton."
- Marker Title: Crosby County
- City:Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1936
- Marker Location: Pioneer Memorial Building, FM 651, South and US 82, Crosbyton
- Marker Text: Formed from Young and Bexar Territories Created August 21, 1876 Organized September 20, 1886. Named in honor of Stephen Crosby 1800-1869 came to Texas in 1845 Commissioner of the General Land Office. County seat, Estacado, 1886, Emma 1890. Crosbyton, since 1911. 1936
- Marker Title: Half Circle S Ranch Headquarters of (L.R. French Ranch House) Half Circle S & L-7, - Medallion only erected 1962
- Address: 17 mi. S on FM 651
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1972
- Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take FM 651 south about 17 miles.
- Marker Text: A landmark west Texas Ranch whose history dates to 1870, was sold to L.R. French, Jr., of Midland-Odessa. The 59,000 acres are situated entirely in Crosby County.
- The ranch, known in recent years as the "L-7" includes 13 sections of Plains land and extends under the caprock to some degree. A highway linking Crosbyton to Post runs through the property, and a major portion of white river lake in southwest Crosby county lies within its boundaries.
- Headquarters for the famous spread is located 15 miles southeast of Crosbyton. The main house, bunkhouses and other buildings are still in use as are many line camps and windmills dotting the ranch.
- Marker Title: George William Smith Home
- Address: North of Crosbyton
- City: Crosbyton vicinity
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take FM 651, North about 12 miles to FM 193 and follow east about 2 miles, then take County Road North about 1 mile.
- Marker Text: Built 1914 for eldest son of Hank Smith, the first settler of South Plains of West Texas. Constructed of shiplap with three rooms on each side of hall. Veneered with rock from nearby canyon in 1936. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967.
- Marker Title: J.J. Pierce Grave site (1900-1947)
- Address: 1 mi. E on US 82, in Crosbyton Cemetery
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1967
- Marker Location: Crosbyton Cemetery, from Crosbyton, take US 82 1 mile East
- Marker Text: Born at Blum, Texas. Became Sheriff of Crosby County in January 1947. Was killed in line of duty while arresting a bootlegger at Ralls, Texas. Dedicated to enforcement of law--a man of quiet courage and fearless character. Father of eight children. Recorded, 1967.
- Marker Title: Village of Cone
- Address: US 62, at Post Office
- City: Cone
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1969
- Marker Location: At Post Office Building, US 62, Cone
- Marker Text: Named in 1903 for S. E. Cone, who helped carry mail here from the nearby town of Emma. Post Office was established same year in general store of R. E. Chapman, who became the first Postmaster. Town once had a school, stores, and churches. Now center of irrigated section, which produces cotton, sorghum grains, and wheat. 1969
- Marker Title: Cone Cemetery
- City: Cone vicinity
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1971
- Marker Location: From Cone, 2 miles West on FM 193
- Marker Text: Founded with burial, April 17,1897, of W. G. English, Father of J. P. and E. M. English; on land patented by the state to J. P. English, October 9, 1897. Title was adopted after post office was named in 1903 for rancher Stanton J. Cone. Cemetery was bought by Judge Pink L. Parrish for Crosby County, May 8, 1910. 1971
- Marker Title: Farmer community
- City: Cone vicinity
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1970
- Marker Location: FM 193, Farmer; From Cone, take FM 193 west about 6 miles west to Farmer.
- Marker Text: Girlhood home of Mrs. Ima Smith, First Lady of Texas, wife of Governor Preston Smith. Settlement began here in 1887. The school district was created in 1893, with its early building funded by gifts from friends, including residents of Amarillo and Colorado City. Religious faiths active in Farmer have been the Methodists (organized about 1890), Baptists (organized 1891), Presbyterians, Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventists, and others. Service and social clubs have included P.T.A., Singsong, baseball club, Forty-two Club, Farmer Community Reunion. 1970
- Marker Title: Mount Blanco Community
- Address: 12 mi. N on FM 651 to FM 193
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1975
- Marker Location: From Crosbytown, take FM 651 about 12 miles north to intersection with FM 193
- Marker Text: Named for tall white mesa that was a landmark on Mackenzie Trail, surveyed in 1871 by U.S. Cavalry scouting for Indians on the frontier. Near the mesa in 1877, frontiersman Henry Clay Smith (1836-1912) built a two-story stone house for speculators Charles Tasker of Philadelphia and Lord Jamison of Ireland. This was the first permanent homestead in South Plains Region. Smith also brought in cattle for Tasker, and had to accept house as his compensation when Tasker failed in business. In the fall of 1877, Smith moved his family here; nearest neighbor was 50 miles east. The home became a way-station for prospectors, and Smith encouraged many settlers such as Paris Cox, the Quaker founder of Estacado (22 miles West). Mount Blanco Post Office opened in September 1879, with Mrs. Smith (Elizabeth Boyle, 1848-1925) as postmaster. In 1886, Smith led in organizing Crosby County. This area prospered, and by 1890 had a school. Farming largely replaced ranching after 1900. Post office closed in 1916. School consolidated with Crosbyton in 1949. Smith's stone house (1 mile North) burned in 1952. Village of Mount Blanco (4 miles northeast) lost its last store about 1956, its church in 1965. Only a cotton gin and clubhouse now (1975) remain as public buildings in Mount Blanco. 1975
- Marker Title: Cole-McNeill-Jones House
- Address: 12 mi. E on US 82; 2 mi. S on FM 836; W on McNeill Ranch Rd.
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1982
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take US 82 about 12 miles East to Intersection of US 82 with FM 836 and follow FM 836 South about 2 miles, then right onto McNeil Ranch Road.
- Marker Text: Handy P. Cole (1864-1923), foreman of the Spur Ranch and later sheriff of Dickens County, bought this property in 1897. The original part of this house was built about 1900. In 1904 James Calvin McNeill, Jr. (1875-1949) bought the place and moved here from his father's adjoining ranch. In 1917 additions were made to the residence. The property was sold in 1943 to the estate of West Texas business leader Morgan Jones with an arrangement for continued occupancy by the McNeill Family. 1982
- Marker Title: McNeill Ranch
- Address: 12 mi. E on US 82; 2 mi. S on FM 836; W on McNeill Ranch Rd.
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1982
- Marker Location: At ranch Headquarters, from Crosbyton, take US 82 about 12 miles East to Intersection of US 82 with FM 836 then follow FM 836 about 2 miles South, then right onto McNeill Ranch Road.
- Marker Text: In 1882 James Calvin McNeill (b. 1844), Brazoria County rancher, purchased 8,000 acres in Crosby County to expand his cattle business. Maintaining two distant ranches became difficult, so in 1890 George M. Williamson, his cousin, came to assist in the management of this property, later expanded to 18,240 acres. In 1902 James Calvin McNeill, Jr. (1875-1949) took over operation of the ranch. The elder McNeill divided his property among his children in 1930. For one hundred years the McNeill ranch has played a significant role in the ranching history of this area. 1982
- Marker Title: Crosbyton Cemetery
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1984
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take US 82, 1 mile East
- Marker Text: Established in 1909, this cemetery was once part of a 90,000-acre ranch operated by the C. B. Livestock Company. Julian Bassett, part owner of the company and donor of the Crosbyton townsite, also gave the land for this burial ground when James Boggs, a cowboy on the ranch, was ill and was thought to be dying. The first burial was that of 18-month-old Willie Oliver. Others interred here include Julian Bassett and many other early settlers who were influential in the development of the area. The Crosbyton Cemetery is a reminder of the region's pioneer heritage. 1984
- Lamar Family Marker
- Location: Crosbyton Cemetery
- "In 1892 William Percy Lamar (1889-1946) came with his parents from Tarrant County to Crosby County, settling on a 160-acre homestead. He married Sarah Elzina Henson (1892-1963) in 1912. They prospered through farming, dairying, stock raising, and business. In 1957 Elzina established the Percy and Zina Lamar foundations. Gifts to the community include building and continued support of Crosby County Pioneer Memorial Museum and community center, and tribute to the Lamar Family and all west Texas Pioneers. Other gifts include a masonic hall and donations to Methodists charities. (1980)."
- Marker Title: Estacado Cemetery
- County: Lubbock
- Location 2.5 miles west of Lorenzo on U.S. 62 & 82; north on paved country road 5 miles; then .5 miles east on dirt farm road.
- "In 1878 Paris Cox (1846-1888), an Indiana Quaker, visited this area with a group of buffalo hunters. Attracted by the abundance of cheap farm land, he returned to Indiana and began advertising his plans for a Quaker colony here. Although the first colonists who arrived in 1879 were discouraged by a severe winter, other settlers, including those of various religious beliefs, soon moved to the area. The settlement was first called Marietta in honor of Cox´s wife, but in 1886 it was renamed Estacado, part of the spanish term for the staked plains, Llano Estacado.
- When Crosby county was formally organized in 1886, Estacado was chosen as the First county seat. A courthouse was built two years later. The center of a vast agricultural area, Estacado continued to prosper until the 1890´s when the county seat was moved to Emma and many of the early colonists began migrating to other area.
- An important reminder of Estacado´s pioneers is this community cemetery, the burial site of many early settlers and area leaders, including Paris Cox. Now part of Lubbock County, it serves as a Historic record of the individuals who opened the Texas Plains and led in the region´s agricultural development. (1982)."
- Marker Title: Leatherwood School Site
- Address: 12 mi. E on US 82; 0.5 mi. N on FM 836
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1983
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take US 82 East 12 miles to Intersection of US 82 and FM 836 and follow FM 836 North about .5 mile
- Marker Text: This area of Crosby County was settled in 1898 by the family and relatives of M. G. Leatherwood. As other families began to arrive, the need for a nearby school became apparent. As a result, the Leatherwood Common School District was created in 1912. The first classes, held in the spring of 1913 in a one-room schoolhouse on land donated by M. G. Leatherwood, were taught by Ellsworth Ham. The location of the school was changed twice before it was moved to this site at the eastern edge of the county. At the height of its growth, Leatherwood School employed three teachers who taught 36 students in a three-room schoolhouse. In 1935 the Zumalt School District consolidated with Leatherwood, but by 1945 only elementary students were being taught here. The final classes at Leatherwood were held in 1949, when the area was made part of the Crosbyton School District. Leatherwood was typical of many early Texas rural schools in that its longevity was influenced by the migration from farms to the city. Although rural schools were closed as farm populations decreased and improved roads and transportation made the cities more accessible, their histories play an important part in the heritage of public education in Texas. 1983
- Marker Title: Ralls Cemetery
- Address: 0.7 mi. W of SH 207 on US 82
- City: Ralls
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1985
- Marker Location: From Ralls, take Highway 82 about .7 miles West (.7 mile West of SH 207)
- Marker Text: The original five acre tract of land for this burial ground was purchased from the C.B. Livestock Co. on September 7, 1915, four years after the town of Ralls was founded. The cemetery was first used for the interment of W.H. Shell (d. 1915). The Georgia marble Bible, erected in 1963 by the Ralls Garden Club, is one of many beautification projects by local organizations, including the Lions Club and Cemetery Association. Prominent community members are buried here, including John R. Ralls, town founder. Graves also include those of veterans of several wars. 1985
- Marker Title: A.B. Robertson Ranch
- Address: 12.2 mi. S on FM 378
- City: Lorenzo vicinity
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1986
- Marker Location: From Lorenzo, take FM 378 south about 12.2 miles, then 6 miles on private road
- Marker Text: A noted pioneer in the West Texas cattle industry, Andrew Briggs ("Sug") Robertson was born in 1855 in Indiana. While still a young boy he came to Texas and learned the skills of a cowboy. In 1901 he bought land in this area and established the "V" ranch, stocked it with Hereford cattle, and made a specialty of raising that breed. This two-story brick home, constructed in 1911 by contractors C. Raymond and Clifford Westerman, served as ranch headquarters and as the Robertson family residence. It became headquarters for the "C Bar" ranch in 1950. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986.
- Marker Title: Two-Buckle Ranch Headquarters, Kentucky Cattle Raising Company
- Address: 4 mi. E on US 82
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1984
- Marker Location: From Crosbyton, take US 82 about 4 miles East
- Marker Text: Headquarters for the Two Buckle Ranch was built near this site, at Silver Falls in 1884 by the Kentucky Cattle Raising Company, which had been founded two years earlier by a group of Louisville, Kentucky distillers. Claude Tilford was hired by the company to manage the 145, 240-acre ranch. A variety of grain and hay crops were grown. The ranch's cattle operation featured cross breeding and separation of breeding stock. In 1901 the C.B. Livestock Company bought 90,000 acres of the land and used the established headquarters for its -N- Ranching and plains land development operations. A dipping vat was built in 1912 and was used by all area cattlemen to combat Texas cattle fever. Since the 1915 breakup of the C.B. Livestock Company, succeeding owners have continued to add to and preserve the original headquarters site. A barn, garage, concrete storage tank, as well as a dam across White River were added during the 1920s. Over the years, this land has been home for a number of families who have contributed to Crosby County's ranching heritage. The Two Buckle Ranch Headquarters is a historic member of this early West Texas Industry. 1984
- Marker Title: Pansy Baptist Church
- Address: 10.3 mi. E, on US 82 @ FM 836
- City: Crosbyton
- County: Crosby
- Year Marker Erected: 1996
- Marker Location: US 82 and FM 836, 10.3 miles east of Crosbyton
- Marker Text: The Pansy Baptist Church was organized in 1905 by J. V. Leatherwood, John Holt, P. H. Leatherwood, Snow Loyd, and J. M. Leatherwood to serve the residents of the Pansy Community. Church services were conducted in the school building until 1916 when the congregation constructed its first sanctuary. An arbor was built on the church grounds for revival services. The church building was moved two miles south in 1946 for the convenience of the membership. A parsonage was erected in 1947 for the congregation's first full-time pastor. A new sanctuary was built and was dedicated on July 16, 1950. The church building burned in August 1965, and services were held in a church member's barn until December, when a new structure was completed. The church supported a strong mission outreach program. Through the years population dwindled in the rural community of Pansy. In 1995 the remaining members of the Pansy Baptist Church voted to disband. The church building was donated to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, an African American congregation in Floydada. The building was moved 32 miles by 140 volunteers from Crosbyton, Pansy, Floydada, and Wiley. (1996)
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Crosby County TXGenWeb Project
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