Historical Marker

Last Great Panhandle Cattle Drive to Montana

Historical marker location:
501 Elsie, Panhandle, Texas
( 5th and Elsie Street, SH 207, Square House Museum, Panhandle.)
Marker installed: 1965
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Each spring and summer after 1880, many Texas herds went up the trail to Northern states for fattening. For the cowboys, trail drives meant hard work. They had to turn stampedes, ford rivers and quicksand streams, and fight Indians and cattle thieves. They endured hunger, thirst, and other physical hardships. The Last Great Texas Panhandle Drive was organized here at N Bar N (N-N) Headquarters. Ranch manager was J.L. Harrison; trail boss, T.L. (Tom) Coffee. 100 cowboys drove 10 herds, each with 2500 cattle, or a total of 25,000 beeves, to Montana from April to September 1892. The cattle belonged to Niedringhaus Brothers, German tinsmiths of St. Louis, who put into ranching a fortune made in enamel granite household wares. From 1882 to 1886, N Bar N leased range in Carson and neighboring counties from the Francklyn Land & Cattle Company, a British syndicate backed by Cunard Steamship Line. Afterward this range belonged to White Deer Land Company. The N Bar N outfit left here because White Deer Land Company wanted the range cleared of large herds. By 1907 the 650,000 acres of its land was offered for sale to small ranchers and farmers. It was fenced and the steam plow introduced to turn the rich, grassy sod

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.

cattle ranching
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Carson County, located in the northern region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to before European settlement. The area was initially inhabited by several Native American groups, including the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache tribes, who lived off the land and thrived in the surrounding grasslands and rivers.

European settlers began arriving in Carson County in the mid-19th century, drawn by the prospect of vast grazing land and opportunities for ranching. In 1876, the county was officially established and named after Samuel P. Carson, a scout and buffalo hunter. With the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad in the 1880s, the county experienced rapid growth, attracting both ranchers and farmers to the area.

The early 20th century brought economic diversification to Carson County, with the discovery of oil and gas reserves. This newfound wealth fueled further development and population growth in the region. In the 1920s, the construction of Texas State Highway 3 (now known as U.S. Route 60) through the county enhanced transportation, making it easier to access the surrounding cities.

Carson County played a prominent role during World War II, as it became the location of the Pantex Ordnance Plant in 1942. The plant served as a vital component of the Manhattan Project, manufacturing and assembling nuclear weapons. Today, the Pantex Plant continues to operate and plays a significant role in the defense industry, employing many residents of Carson County.

Throughout its history, Carson County has evolved from a land of Native American tribes and open prairies to a thriving community with a diverse economy. It boasts a rich heritage of ranching, farming, oil production, and defense industries. Despite the challenges and changes over time, the county continues to preserve its history while embracing progress and growth.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Carson County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Carson County was organized and named after Samuel Price Carson, a pioneer settler in the area.
  • 1886 - The first post office, Panhandle City, was established.
  • 1890 - Panhandle City became the county seat.
  • 1902 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway was built through the county, boosting economic growth.
  • 1926 - The iconic Route 66 was established, passing through the county and bringing increased tourism.
  • 1930s - The Dust Bowl hit Carson County, leading to severe agricultural and economic challenges.
  • 1942 - The Pantex Ordnance Plant was established, becoming a major employer in the area during World War II.
  • 1956 - Route 66 was bypassed by Interstate 40, leading to a decline in local businesses.
  • 1984 - The last segment of Route 66 in Texas was officially decommissioned.
  • Present - Carson County continues to be an important transportation hub with Interstate 40 and a strong agriculture-based economy.