CROSBYTON POP. 1,678
ALT. 3,108
MAP G-10
CROSBYTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 124 S. Berkshire. 806/675-2261.
www.cityofcrosbyton.org/visitors/plmcc.html.
The town is near Blanco Canyon, a scenic spot on the South Plains. It is a stop on the Quanah Parker Trail— part of the Texas Plains Trail Region (www.quanah
parkertrail.com). RV camping is offered in the city park, on U.S. 82 east of town. Historic Silver Falls Park is four miles east on U.S. 82. Bed-and-breakfast facilities are available.
CROSBY COUNTY PIONEER MEMORIAL MUSEUM — Includes a furnished replica of a rock house, a diorama and Llano Estacado mural. Exhibits depict the settlement of the area to about 1930. The museum houses the Native American Collection of archaeologist Wayne J. Parker and Choise Smith. 101 Main St. (U.S. 82 at F.M. 651). 806/675-2331.
LAKE — White River Lake — On a tributary of the Salt Fork of the Brazos, this lake features a marina, boat ramp fishing, picnicking and camping. Call ahead about water levels. About 16 miles southeast of Crosbyton off F.M. 2794. Also accessible from Post and Dickens. 806/263-4240.
MT. BLANCO FOSSIL MUSEUM —Exhibits include a display of dinosaur fossils and casts, plus a complete replica of a 15-foot mastodon. The museum has specimens of enormous salamanders called metoposarus, some of which grew to lengths of 12 feet. 124 W. Main. 806/675-7777.
www.mtblanco.com.
CROWELL POP. 880
ALT. 1,463 MAP G-13
CROWELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 940/684-1310.
www.crowelltex.com.
This area was the domain of Comanche people who figured in the famous case of Cynthia Ann Parker. She was taken by Comanches in 1836 and later recaptured by white men. A historical marker stands at the recapture site, Pease River Battlefield, nine miles north- east on F.M. 98. (For more on Cynthia Ann Parker’s story, see GROESBECK in PRAIRIES AND LAKES.) Bed-and-breakfasts, lodging and RV hookups are
available. Annual events include Cynthia Ann Parker Days in May and Cowboy Christmas Ball in December.
COPPER BREAKS STATE PARK —See QUANAH.
DEPOT LIBRARY/MUSEUM —Old Santa Fe Depot features Crowell’s history and an extensive collection on Cynthia Ann Parker. 203 N. Main St. About 13 miles south of Quanah off Texas 6.
FIREHALL MUSEUM —Includes a pioneer schoolroom, a detailed scale model of a town in the early 1900s and an exhibit on Gen. George B. McClellan’s 1877 copper mine. McClellan was the Democratic nominee opposing Abraham Lincoln in the 1864 presidential election. 116 N. Main St. (Texas 6).
DALHART POP. 8,147
ALT. 3,985 MAP B-9
DALHART CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 102 E. Seventh St. 806/244-5646.
www.dalhart.org.
Dalhart is known as the headquarters of the famous XIT Ranch—more than 3 million acres were sold by the state to pay for the Texas State Capitol building in Austin. The city was first called Twist (then Twist Junction), the designation of a railroad section. Dalhart is a syllabic combination of two counties (Dallam and Hartley) in which the town lies. Dalhart is a stop on the Quanah Parker Trail—as part of the Texas Plains Trail Region (
www.quanahparkertrail.com).
EMPTY SADDLE MONUMENT —A favorite photo subject, it was designed by local artist Bobby Dycke and built in 1940. A widow of a former XIT Ranch cowhand asked that a horse bearing an empty saddle
CONAN THE BARBARIAN
CROSS PLAINS IS THE HOMETOWN of Robert E. Howard, creator of “Conan The Barbarian.” Howard lived and wrote here from 1919 until his death in 1936. His home is listed in the National Regis- ter of Historic Places. Tours are available by appointment only: 254/725-6562.
★
appear in the reunion parade in tribute to all XIT Ranch cowpokes. Just north of the U.S. 87 underpass.
JAMES R. FOX MEMORIAL —Erected in 2003, the memorial was donated to the city by the People’s Republic of China in remembrance of James R. Fox, who flew rescue missions during World War II. Outside the Dallam County Courthouse.
LAKE RITA BLANCA —This 2,000-acre city park offers hiking, riding, fishing and birding. Home to millions of waterfowl. Includes a covered pavilion with a stage area. Playscape includes two rock-climbing walls and a moving stepping-stone entrance. Just south of Dalhart off of U.S. 385/87 and F.M. 281. 806/244-5511.
RITA BLANCA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS —Public land administered by the U.S. Forest Service is open for hunting, birding and hiking. 575/374-9652.
www.fs.fed.us/grasslands/index.shtml.
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK —This site honors all area veterans who served the country in all branches of the military. At Seventh and Rock Island.
XIT HISTORICAL MUSEUM —Exhibits include XIT Ranch artifacts, railroad antiques, Native American artifacts and frontier firearms, along with furnished rooms, circa 1900, and a frontier chapel. 108 E. Fifth St. 806/244-5390.
www.xitmuseum.com.
DENVER CITY POP. 4,704
ALT. 3,575 MAP J-8
DENVER CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 806/592-5424.
www.denvercitychamber.com.
DENVER CITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM —Five large murals are displayed at the entry to the museum in a refurbished elementary school. Exhibits include oilfield, farm and ranching equipment, dentist tools, and other memorabilia. 505 N. Avenue C. 806/592-2897.
DIMMITT POP. 4,375
ALT. 3,854 MAP E-9
DIMMITT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 115 W. Bedford St. 806/647-2524.
www.dimmittchamber.com.
The Ogallala Quilt Festival is held in April (806/647- 0465 or
www.ogallalaquilters.org).
CASTRO COUNTY MUSEUM —Housed in the Old Carter House, built in 1909, the museum features artifacts, early farm equipment and a furnished half-dugout. 404 W. Halsell St. 806/647-2611.
DUMAS POP. 14,926
ALT. 3,668 MAP B-9
DUMAS/MOORE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR CENTER: 1901 S. Dumas Ave. 806/935-2123.
www.dumaschamber.com.
Dumas is in the heart of the nation’s largest grain producing area. Recreation areas include eight city parks. Scenic beauty is found in the rugged canyons and hills of Canadian River breaks. Nearby Lake Meredith (see Fritch) offers fishing and boating. RV park
and bed-and-breakfast accommodations are available. Events include Dogie Days in June and the World Championship Mud Volleyball Tournament in July.
LAKE — Cactus Playa Lake — The land was deeded to the town of Cactus and is a bird refuge. At times you can see bald and golden eagles, falcon, cranes, waterfowl and shorebirds. The site is part of Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Panhandle Plains Wildlife Trail. On F.M. 281, approximately two miles southeast of Cactus (about 13 miles north of Dumas).
WINDOW ON THE PLAINS —Features local history exhibits, wildlife displays and Native American artifacts. It includes a pioneer town replica. The Agricultural and Industry Building displays farm equipment. The Art Center features works by local and regional artists. 1820 S. Dumas Ave. 806/935-3113.
EASTLAND POP. 3,968
ALT. 1,421 MAP K-15
EASTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 209 W. Main St. 254/629-2332.
www.eastlandchamber.com.
The town is named for Capt. William M. Eastland, San Jacinto hero and Texas Ranger. Lake Leon and Ringling Lake are popular local fishing spots. Leon offers cabins and an RV park (254/647-3651). Lakeside and Lone Cedar golf courses each offer 18 holes. Events include Ripfest Parade and Festival held first
Saturday in October; Rip’s Ribs Cook-off is second Saturday in April; and an Old Fashion Fourth of July Celebration.
DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR —Features buildings in a two-block area that highlight Eastland’s history. Pick up a map for this tour at the chamber of commerce.
EASTLAND COUNTY MUSEUM —The museum archives period photographs and memorabilia related to the area. 112/114 S. Seaman St.
www.eastlandtexas.com.
LAKE — Leon Reservoir —This lake offers fishing, boating, picnicking and camping. There is a resort at lakeside. About six miles southeast of Eastland via F.M. 570 and F.M. 2214. 254/631-2833.
LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM —Built in 1897, the old Eastland County Jail contains artifacts and memorabilia of Eastland County and Law Enforcement history. Contact sheriff’s office to schedule a guided tour. 210 W. White St. 254/629-1774.
MAJESTIC THEATRE —Built in 1920, it featured films and stage shows. The old theater closed and reopened as the Majestic in 1947. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Today, it is a first-run movie house. Tours can be arranged. 108 N. Lamar. 254/629-1322.
"OLD RIP” THE HORNED TOAD —According to records, in 1897 a Texas horned lizard was sealed in the corner- stone of the Eastland courthouse. In 1928, a new courthouse was erected, the prior cornerstone was opened and the horned toad was found alive. The small animal received great publicity and was displayed nationally. When it died the next year of pneumonia, it was placed in a glass-front casket, on view in the present county courthouse. 100 W. Main St.
OUTDOOR ART EXHIBIT —Art pieces are placed near or on businesses throughout Eastland. Each piece includes a story of the painter’s life or interesting details about the original art. 254/629-2332.
POST OFFICE MURAL —National and post office history is depicted in a 6-by-10-foot mural of postage stamps. Seven years and about 12,000 stamps were required to produce this work. 411 W. Main. 254/629-2383.
EDEN POP. 2,725
ALT. 2,051 MAP N-13
EDEN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 120 Paint Rock St. 325/869-5074.
www.edentexas.com.
Eden is 19 miles east of the geodetic center of Texas. Markers in town honor local sons. Town square
197
PANHANDLE PLAINS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225 |
Page 226 |
Page 227 |
Page 228 |
Page 229 |
Page 230 |
Page 231 |
Page 232 |
Page 233 |
Page 234 |
Page 235 |
Page 236 |
Page 237 |
Page 238 |
Page 239 |
Page 240 |
Page 241 |
Page 242 |
Page 243 |
Page 244 |
Page 245 |
Page 246 |
Page 247 |
Page 248 |
Page 249 |
Page 250 |
Page 251 |
Page 252 |
Page 253 |
Page 254 |
Page 255 |
Page 256 |
Page 257 |
Page 258 |
Page 259 |
Page 260 |
Page 261 |
Page 262 |
Page 263 |
Page 264 |
Page 265 |
Page 266 |
Page 267 |
Page 268
