Shafer Saddlery

Marker installed: 1971

On site of cabin used (1848) as first county courthouse.

This frontier saddlery, erected 1870 of hand-cut limestone by John H. Shafer, had living quarters upstairs.

Since 1872 occupants have been attorneys, a newspaper, and many other tenants.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1971.

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.