Dove Creek Battle
Historical marker location:[front] On January 8, 1865 eight miles east of here Confederate troops and Texas militiamen engaged a large party of Kickapoo Indians. The Indians, formerly hostile to the South, had entered Texas without authority and were making their way to Mexico. Troops attacked them and following five hours of desperate fighting, withdrew, having suffered the loss of 22 killed and 19 wounded. Indian losses from the encounter were probably less. Later raids by the Kickapoos were traced to the Dove Creek fight.
A memorial to Texans who served the Confederacy
Erected by the State of Texas 1963
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TEXAS CIVIL WAR
INDIAN TROUBLE
War brought turmoil to Indians living in Kansas and the Indian Territory, with unfortunate results for Texans on the frontier. Most Cherokees, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles aided the South, while others adhered to the North. The Comanches made a treaty with the South but a great majority, with their allies the Kiowas, held aloof from either side, and plundered the frontier at will. Apaches and the Kickapoos did the same from Mexico. Texas and Confederate troops, despite poor arms and mounts, held defense lines until war's end
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
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.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
In the 1860s, settlers began to arrive in what is now known as Irion County. The first permanent settlements were established near the North Concho River, with ranching and farming becoming the primary economic activities. The area's abundant water supply and fertile soil made it an attractive destination for those looking to build a prosperous life on the frontier.
The county was officially formed in 1889, after being carved out of Tom Green County. Mertzon, named after Henry Mertz, a local rancher, was chosen as the county seat. The growth of the county continued throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as more settlers arrived and established businesses, schools, and churches.
Today, Irion County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. Ranching and farming are still important industries, with sheep, cattle, and crops like cotton, peanuts, and sorghum being prominent. The county also boasts several historical sites, including the Irion County Courthouse, which has been serving as the center of local government for over a century.
Irion County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Irion County, Texas.
- 1858 – Irion County is established and named after Robert Anderson Irion, a secretary of state for the Republic of Texas.
- 1889 – Sherwood is chosen as the county seat.
- 1890 – The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway is completed, passing through Irion County.
- 1929 – Mertzon becomes the new county seat, replacing Sherwood.
- 1934 – Mertzon's first public school is built.
- 1951 – The Irion County Historical Survey Committee is established to preserve local history.
- 1972 – The Irion County Jail, now a historical landmark, is constructed.
- 1983 – The Irion County Historical Society is formed.
- 1998 – The Mertzon Heritage Museum opens, showcasing local history and artifacts.
- 2017 – Irion County celebrates its 159th anniversary.