Mayfield Dugout
a.k.a. 41 BI 52
7 mi. NW of Silverton, Silverton, TXThe Mayfield Dugout (41 BI 52) was constructed in 1889. Since that time, it has been lived in and then preserved by members of the family who built it. In fact, Mr. G. Mayfield and Mr. Alvie Mayfield, local ranchers, were born in the dugout.
This architectural form common to the plains was the response to the immediate environments by the settler. The lack of timber in this area made this the most expedient and least costly type of construction to undertake. Furthermore, the unpredictable and frequently violent weather made it practical.
Mayfield Dugout is one of the few remaining examples of this formerly common type of shelter for the plains and is certainly one of the best preserved. A recent survey of this area (Malone, 1970) located only two other examples, both ruinous, of this kind of structure. A dugout has been moved to the Ranch Headquarters Museum, Lubbock, and one has been reconstructed at the Square House Museum, Panhandle. Thus, Mayfield, retained in its original setting, is enhanced even more in its historical and architectural value.
Local significance of the structure:
This architectural form common to the plains was the response to the immediate environments by the settler. The lack of timber in this area made this the most expedient and least costly type of construction to undertake. Furthermore, the unpredictable and frequently violent weather made it practical.
Mayfield Dugout is one of the few remaining examples of this formerly common type of shelter for the plains and is certainly one of the best preserved. A recent survey of this area (Malone, 1970) located only two other examples, both ruinous, of this kind of structure. A dugout has been moved to the Ranch Headquarters Museum, Lubbock, and one has been reconstructed at the Square House Museum, Panhandle. Thus, Mayfield, retained in its original setting, is enhanced even more in its historical and architectural value.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
About Briscoe County
Briscoe County Timeline
Briscoe County, located in the Panhandle region of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. First inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Apache and Comanche, the county saw its first European settlers in the mid-19th century. In 1876, the county was officially established, named after Andrew Briscoe, who played a significant role in the Texas Revolution.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Briscoe County experienced a boom in cattle ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the area in the 1880s further facilitated the growth of the industry, leading to an increase in population and economic prosperity. Ranchers from all over the state flocked to Briscoe County, establishing large cattle ranches and contributing to the region's reputation as a major center of the Texas cattle industry.
The county also played a significant role in the development of the oil and gas industry in Texas. In the early 20th century, oil was discovered in Briscoe County, leading to the establishment of oil wells and the subsequent growth of towns such as Silverton. The oil boom brought new economic opportunities to the area and attracted a diverse population, including workers from other parts of Texas and beyond.
Today, Briscoe County continues to be an important agricultural center, with cattle ranching, farming, and oil and gas production as its primary industries. Its rich history, shaped by the contributions of Native Americans, cattle ranchers, and oilmen, has left a lasting legacy. The county's natural beauty, including its canyons and wide open spaces, attracts visitors who come to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Briscoe County experienced a boom in cattle ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the area in the 1880s further facilitated the growth of the industry, leading to an increase in population and economic prosperity. Ranchers from all over the state flocked to Briscoe County, establishing large cattle ranches and contributing to the region's reputation as a major center of the Texas cattle industry.
The county also played a significant role in the development of the oil and gas industry in Texas. In the early 20th century, oil was discovered in Briscoe County, leading to the establishment of oil wells and the subsequent growth of towns such as Silverton. The oil boom brought new economic opportunities to the area and attracted a diverse population, including workers from other parts of Texas and beyond.
Today, Briscoe County continues to be an important agricultural center, with cattle ranching, farming, and oil and gas production as its primary industries. Its rich history, shaped by the contributions of Native Americans, cattle ranchers, and oilmen, has left a lasting legacy. The county's natural beauty, including its canyons and wide open spaces, attracts visitors who come to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Briscoe County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Briscoe County, Texas.
- 1860 - Briscoe County is established by the Texas legislature.
- 1892 - Silverton becomes the county seat of Briscoe County.
- 1902 - The Briscoe County News begins publication.
- 1926 - The Texas Technological College Stock Farm is established in Briscoe County.
- 1930 - Briscoe County experiences a decline in population due to the Dust Bowl.
- 1960s - Oil and gas production becomes an important industry in Briscoe County.
- 1980s - Briscoe County becomes known for its beef cattle industry.
- 2000s - Wind energy development begins in Briscoe County.