Historical Marker

Drift Fence

Historical marker location:
SH 207, Stinnett, Texas
( from Stinnet, take SH 207 north, 10 miles to marker)
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Famed cattleman Charles Goodnight established one of the first ranches in the Texas Panhandle, the J A Ranch, in 1876. Later that year, Thomas S. Bugbee established the first cattle ranch in Hutchinson County.

As a result of soaring beef prices cattle ranching proliferated in this region of the U.S. in the 1880s. The Texas Panhandle, with its open range and expansive grasslands, became the preferred winter grazing site for cattle migrating south from Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. This seasonal influx of cattle disrupted the practice of area ranchers who went to great lengths to respect adjacent ranch boundaries.

Members of the Panhandle Stock Association pooled their resources and in 1882-85 erected barbed wire barriers along a 200-mile stretch of the Panhandle including Hutchinson County to prevent cattle from drifting south into the fertile Canadian River Valley.

The "drift fence" worked too well in the winters of 1886 and 1887 when thousands of cattle moving south ahead of strong storms stalled at the fence line and froze or were trampled to death. The staggering losses prompted federal and state legislation which limited fencing on public lands and the "drift fence" was removed or incorporated into private ranch fencing.

Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995

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.

ranching cattle
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Hutchinson County, located in the Panhandle region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa, who relied on the region's resources for their livelihoods. The first European explorers arrived in the area in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers exploring the region in search of riches and new lands.

In the 19th century, settlers began to make their way to Hutchinson County. The first permanent settlement was established in the early 1880s, with the establishment of the town of Plemons. The town served as a trading post and provided essential services to the surrounding ranching community. It wasn't until 1901 that the first oil well was drilled in the county, marking the beginning of the oil boom that would shape the future of Hutchinson County.

The discovery of oil led to a rapid influx of people and businesses to the region. Oil companies set up drilling operations, and towns such as Borger and Stinnett were founded to support the growing industry. This period of growth and prosperity continued throughout the early to mid-20th century, with oil production reaching its peak in the 1930s. The county became known as one of the leading oil-producing regions in Texas.

However, like many areas dependent on a single industry, Hutchinson County experienced ups and downs in its economic fortunes. The oil industry faced declining production and prices in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to a decline in population and economic activity. But in recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the county's economy, with a focus on industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Today, Hutchinson County continues to be home to a vibrant community, with a mix of traditional industries and newer, emerging sectors. The county's rich history, from its Native American roots to its oil boom days, is celebrated and preserved, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the legacy and progress of this dynamic region.

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

  • 1876 - Hutchinson County is officially established. It is named after Andrew Hutchinson, a jurist and politician.
  • 1880s - The first ranches are established in the area as settlers move in and begin cattle ranching.
  • 1920s - Oil is discovered in Hutchinson County, leading to a boom in population and economic growth.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits the county hard, causing a decline in population and economic struggles.
  • 1950s - The oil industry experiences another boom, leading to increased drilling and production in Hutchinson County.
  • 1970s - The county experiences a decline in oil production, leading to economic challenges for the region.
  • 1990s - Efforts are made to diversify the economy, including the development of wind power projects in the area.
  • 2000s - Hutchinson County witnesses a resurgence in the oil and gas industry, leading to increased economic activity.