The Gray and The Blue
Historical marker location:Into the western part of Texas, about 1885 came Civil War veterans of the Gray and the Blue, to tame the wilderness. They grazed cattle where drought parched the grass. Lived in dugouts. Found daily existence a siege that reminded them of war hardships. On occasional trips into town, verbally refought the war on the Courthouse Square, but lived peacefully together to build a great county.
In Cottle County, 85 per cent of the early pioneers had worn the Gray. One out of 3 had been in Texas units. Others, were from Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and Virginia. Of the great early brands, most were owned by Confederate veterans, but one in Cottle was run by a strong pro-Unionist.
8,722 Union veterans lived in Texas in 1890. One example in Cottle County at this time was Union veteran, William Frederick Liedtke (1836-1914), who had migrated to the U.S. from Prussia, in 1856. He served as a county official and then as state auditor of Nebraska before settling in Paducah. He was legal advisor, abstractor and Justice of the Peace here.
Gray or Blue in the 1860s, the 1890 uniform tended to be cowman's regalia on an American looking to the future rather than at the past.
(1964)
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
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.
In the early years, Cottle County relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton becoming the main staple crop. The county's population steadily increased, and by the turn of the 20th century, it had become a thriving community. Cattle ranching also played a significant role in the county's economy, with large ranches covering vast areas of land.
However, the early 20th century brought some challenges to Cottle County. In the 1920s, a severe drought struck the region, leading to crop failures and devastating the agricultural industry. The Great Depression of the 1930s further compounded the hardships faced by the county's residents. Many people were forced to leave the area in search of better opportunities.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Cottle County saw a decline in population and economic activity. The agricultural industry underwent significant changes, with mechanization reducing the need for labor and smaller family farms struggling to survive. Today, Cottle County remains a primarily rural and sparsely populated area, with farming and ranching continuing to be key sectors of its economy. Efforts to diversify the economy through tourism and alternative energy sources are also being explored to ensure the county's future growth and prosperity.
Cottle County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cottle County, Texas.
- 1876: Cottle County is officially established on August 21.
- 1883: The town of Paducah is surveyed and becomes the county seat.
- 1884: The first courthouse is constructed in Paducah.
- 1902: The Santa Fe Railroad extends into Cottle County, boosting its economy.
- 1928: The Texas oil boom reaches Cottle County, leading to increased oil drilling.
- 1941-1945: Cottle County residents serve in World War II.
- 1951: The Childress Air Force Base opens near Paducah, providing economic opportunities.
- 1979: The Childress Air Force Base is closed, impacting the local economy.
- 1986: The Cottle County Courthouse, the third in its history, is completed.