Historical Marker

The Great Sherman Storm of 1896

Historical marker location:
Sherman, Texas
( West Hill Cemetery Main Gate, 900 Blk of W Lamar)
Marker installed: 1975

In the late afternoon of Friday, May 15, 1896, a disastrous tornado swept Sherman, killing about 66 persons, injuring many others, and causing severe property damage. The twister touched down near here, then cut a 2-mile-long path through the city. The same funnel and several smaller ones struck at other locations in the area. Most of the storm's victims were buried in this cemetery. After the tragedy, citizens of Sherman and neighboring towns helped with the rebuilding, and relief contributions were sent from many distant places.