Site of Creed Taylor Ranch Home

Historical marker location:
FM 479, Junction, Texas
( 19 miles East of Junction Via FM 479 on private road just west of James River about 1/2 mile off FM 479 (private property))
Marker installed: 1967
Marker size: 18" x 28"

A two-story ranch house of native stone was built here in 1869-71 by Creed Taylor, veteran of Texas War for Independence. Considered the finest home west of San Antonio, it burned in 1926. Rebuilt by Dillard Stapp, it again burned down in 1956.

Taylor (1819-1906) fought in the Battle of Gonzales in 1835, and later in the Battle of Concepcion and the Siege of Bexar. Joined the Texas Rangers in 1840 and fought in Plum Creek Battle. In 1841, he joined Rangers, serving under Capt. Jack Hays in Bandera Pass Indian fight, Battle of Salado, and the Mexican War of 1846

  A brief timeline of the Texas Revolution
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Texas becomes a part of the Mexican territory.

  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes a constitution, known as the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.

  • 1826: The Fredonian Rebellion occurs when Haden Edwards, an empresario (land agent), declares the independence of the Republic of Fredonia in East Texas. The rebellion is quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.

  • 1830: The Mexican government passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes several restrictions on American immigration to Texas and increases Mexican control over the region. This leads to growing tensions between Mexican authorities and the Anglo-American settlers.

  • 1832: The Battle of Velasco takes place between Texian settlers and Mexican forces near the town of Velasco. The Texians win the battle, which marks one of the early armed conflicts in the region.

  • 1835: The Texas Revolution officially begins with the Battle of Gonzales. Texian rebels refuse to surrender a cannon, and Mexican troops are sent to retrieve it. However, the Texians successfully defend the cannon, which has a flag with the words "Come and Take It" painted on it.

  • October 1835: Texian forces capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad, marking a significant victory for the revolutionaries.

  • November 1835: The Consultation, a provisional government, is established by the Texian rebels. They declare loyalty to Mexico while seeking a restoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and the removal of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.

  • December 1835: Texian rebels, under the command of Ben Milam, capture San Antonio de Béxar after a 13-day siege. Mexican forces under General Martín Perfecto de Cos surrender, giving the Texians control of the city.

  • March 1836: The Texian garrison at the Alamo, in San Antonio, is besieged by a large Mexican force under General Santa Anna. The battle lasts for 13 days, and despite fierce resistance, the defenders are overwhelmed, and all are killed.

  • March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted at the Convention of 1836, held at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Texas declares itself as an independent republic.

  • March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre takes place when General Santa Anna orders the execution of around 350 Texian prisoners of war at Goliad.

  • April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto occurs near the present-day city of Houston. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian army defeats the Mexican forces, capturing Santa Anna himself. The battle lasts only 18 minutes and is a decisive victory for the Texians.

  • May 14, 1836: The Treaties of Velasco are signed, officially ending the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna, as a prisoner, signs the treaties recognizing Texas as an independent republic and agreeing to withdraw Mexican troops from the region.

  • October 22, 1836: Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.

This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the Texas Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous smaller engagements and political developments throughout the conflict.

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.

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Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
Kimble County, Texas has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement by Native American tribes. The Lipan Apache tribe was one of the prominent groups in the region, using the area as a hunting ground for centuries. In the 1800s, European settlers began to establish ranches in the county, introducing cattle and agricultural practices to the area.

The county was officially organized in 1876 and named after George C. Kimble, a famous Texan who fought in the Texas Revolution. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kimble County experienced a period of growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to other parts of Texas, which facilitated the transportation of goods and people.

The discovery of silver and lead in the county drew even more people to the area, resulting in the establishment of several mining communities. For a time, the county was a hub of mining activity, greatly contributing to its economic prosperity. However, as the mining industry declined in the early 20th century, the county shifted its focus to agriculture and ranching.

Today, Kimble County continues to embrace its rural character and agricultural heritage. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the beautiful South Llano River State Park. The county's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, including livestock, hunting, and pecan farming. With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and thriving rural lifestyle, Kimble County remains a charming part of Texas.

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

  • 1850: Kimble County is created from parts of Bexar, Gillespie, and Mason counties.
  • 1869: The town of Kimbleville is established as the county seat.
  • 1873: The name of Kimbleville is changed to Junction City.
  • 1882: The town is officially incorporated as Junction City.
  • 1894: The name of Junction City is changed to Junction.
  • 1901: The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway reaches Junction, leading to an increase in population and economic growth.
  • 1927: A devastating flood hits Junction, causing significant damage to the town.
  • 1949: The county seat is moved from Junction to its current location in Junction City.
  • 2001: The Kimble County Historical Museum opens in Junction to preserve the county's history.