Historical Marker

Chisholm Trail, Kimball Crossing

Historical marker location:
Morgan, Texas
( from Morgan take SH 174 about 10 miles east to marker, located in Kimball Bend Park)
Marker installed: 1963

Kimball, one of the first towns in Bosque County, was established on this site in the early 1850's. One of the westward wagon routes forded the river at this crossing until a ferry was built in 1865.

The famous Chisholm Trail made its major crossing of the Brazos River here during the 1870's. Tens of thousands of Texas longhorn cattle forded the river and were driven on to northern markets.

Building of barbed wire fences and railroads during the 1880's caused abandonment of the Chisholm Trail. Kimball, with no railroad and loss of the cattle trail, became a ghost town by the middle 1900's. Erected by Boy Scouts of America Troop 326 Longhorn Council, Ft. Worth, Texas, 16 June 1963 A.D

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

roads cattle
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Bosque County, located in central Texas, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers began to explore the region in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the mid-19th century that settlers began to arrive in significant numbers.

In 1852, the Texas legislature formally established Bosque County, named after the Bosque River, which flows through the area. The county quickly developed as an agricultural hub, with settlers primarily engaged in farming and ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred economic growth and brought increased connectivity to the area.

During the Civil War, Bosque County, like much of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. The county sent troops to fight under the Confederate banner, and the war had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, Bosque County faced challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas brought renewed prosperity to Bosque County. The oil industry brought investment and job opportunities, leading to a period of economic growth and development. Today, Bosque County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bosque County, Texas.

  • 1854 - Bosque County is created and organized, named after the Bosque River.
  • 1855 - Bosque County's first permanent settlement, Clifton, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - During the Civil War, Bosque County supports the Confederacy.
  • 1870 - The first courthouse is built in Meridian, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1882 - The Waco and Northwestern Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1890s - Bosque County experiences an economic boom due to agriculture and the expansion of railroads.
  • 1905 - Meridian becomes the first community in central Texas to have electric lights.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy.
  • 1938 - The Civilian Conservation Corps builds Lake Whitney, a popular recreational site.
  • 1940s-1950s - Bosque County's population declines due to outmigration and agricultural changes.
  • 1990s - Bosque County experiences population growth and a revitalization of its downtown areas.
  • 2015 - Bosque County celebrates its 160th anniversary.