Walter Prescott Webb

(April 3, 1888 - March 8, 1963) The world-renowned American historian Walter Prescott Webb was born near this site. His parents were Casner P. and Mary Elizabeth (Kyle) Webb. C. P. Webb farmed and taught school. The family moved in 1893 to the edge of central West Texas. There a startling new terrain spurred young Walter to study the influence of the frontier on American history.

Alternately studying and teaching, Walter Webb earned his B. A. Degree in 1915, his M. A. in 1920, and his Ph. D. in 1932, all at the University of Texas. In 1918 he joined the history faculty of the University in Austin, where he taught for 45 years. Visiting lectureships in the U. S. and abroad included a term as Harmsworth professor at Oxford University in England. An inspiring teacher, he molded a generation of historians and scholarly writers. "The Great Plains," "The Texas Rangers," "Divided We Stand," "The Great Frontier," and his other books are works of splendid vision. Recipient of many honors and offices, he was the first southwesterner to serve as president of the American Historical Association.

He married (1) Jane Oliphant, by whom he had one daughter, Mildred (Mrs. W. B. Bugg), and (2) Mrs. Terrell Maverick. He is buried in the Texas State Cemetery.