Historical Marker

Old Mobeetie Trail

Historical marker location:
SH 70, Clarendon, Texas
( NOT LOCATED - S.H. 70, north of Clarendon)
Marker installed: 1966
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Old Mobeetie Trail (to early town, about 40 mi. NE)

A road older than recorded history; carved out in centuries of wintertime travel to the south, spring migration to the north, by millions of bison and by Indians who lived by hunting these large animals.

Important in era of Texas Panhandle settlement. Used in 1873-1874, when first lifelong residents put dugout dwellings in the Panhandle and began to hunt buffalo to fill demand for hides and meat. Fort Elliott, established 1875 to regulate Indians resisting white settlement, soon had as a neighbor the town of Mobeetie, which for some years was the county seat for 28 counties and a place to go for medical aid, supplies, and access to stage travel.

In 1876 Kansans came this way south for better hunting, calling this "Rath Trail," for their leader. Also, in 1876 cattlemen began to bring herds here. By 1880 this ancient path was a southern arm of Jones and Plummer Trail, over which cowboys moved longhorns to railroads and northern cattle markets. Beginning about 1887 the Mobeetie Trail was used by "nesters" taking up farm lands alongside the old great ranches. Those it served founded and expanded agricultural-commercial economy of the Panhandle

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.

roads cattle Native American
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Donley County, Texas, located in the Panhandle region, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. The first European explorers, including Spanish conquistadors, began to explore the region in the 1500s.

In the early 1870s, settlers began to establish ranches in the area. The county was officially formed in August 1876 and named after Stockton P. Donley, a lawyer who served as a member of the Texas Legislature. The same year, Clarendon became the county seat. As ranching flourished, the new settlements attracted more residents and businesses.

The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th century. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway in the early 1880s provided a major boost to the local economy. Clarendon became a key shipping point for cattle and agricultural products, contributing to the county's prosperity.

However, like many other areas in Texas, Donley County faced challenges during the early 20th century. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl had a severe impact on the local economy, causing widespread hardship and forcing many residents to leave. But with the introduction of new farming techniques and federal assistance programs, the county slowly recovered and agriculture remained a vital industry.

Today, Donley County continues to be a rural community with a strong ranching and agricultural presence. It also boasts historical landmarks, such as the Donley County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county's rich history and resilient spirit serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its early settlers and the enduring legacy they left behind.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Donley County, Texas.

  • 1876: Donley County is formally established on August 21, with Clarendon as its county seat.
  • 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is constructed through Donley County, bringing economic growth and improved transportation.
  • 1890: The population of Donley County reaches its peak with over 8,000 residents.
  • 1908: The first courthouse is built in Clarendon, but it is later destroyed by a fire in 1909.
  • 1910: A new courthouse is constructed to replace the one destroyed by fire, which still stands today.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl severely impact Donley County, causing economic hardships and population decline.
  • 1947: The Greenbelt Reservoir is completed, providing a reliable water source for the county's agriculture and livestock industries.
  • 1950s-1960s: The construction of Interstate 40 through Donley County improves transportation and spurs economic development.
  • 1980s-present: Donley County faces challenges of modernization, including technological advancements and changes in the agricultural industry.