Historical Marker
William Kyle McLean
Historical marker location:
Crockett, Texas
( Evergreen Cemetery in Crockett)
Marker installed: 1992
(October 14, 1902 -- September 6, 1971)
Descended from the first permanent settlers in this area, William Kyle McLean made significant contributions to the agricultural history of Houston County and East Texas. The recipient of numerous soil conservation awards, McLean earned national recognition for the introduction of coastal bermuda grass to the area, the planting of crimson and white Dutch clovers in his pastures, and the use of bees for clover crop pollination.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.