Historical Marker

Spring Creek Community

Historical marker location:
FM 51 S of Weatherford about 8 mi., Weatherford, Texas
( From Weatherford, take FM 51 south about 8 miles to Spring Creek Cemetery.)
Marker installed: 1990
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Settlement of this area of Parker County began in 1854, with the arrival of the T.J. Shaw family from Tennessee. They built a log cabin on the south branch of Spring Creek and the community which built up in the area was named for the creek.

As more settlers arrived, the community grew to include a number of homes and farms. Jeff W. Pittillo arrived in 1855 and he and his family eventually donated land to the community for a school, church, and cemetery. A.L. Pickard brought his family and three slave families to the Spring Creek area in 1856.

Congregations of the Methodist, Baptist, and Cumberland Presbyterian churches were formed. A tabernacle (built in 1914 from a 1904 brush arbor) and a 1917 schoolhouse remain in the community.

The Spring Creek Cemetery contains the graves of many area pioneers. The earliest documented burial, that of Humphrey Price, dates to 1856. Also, included among the burials are a number of unmarked graves and interments of slave families, as well as the grave of Alfred G. Cooper, veteran of the Texas Revolution and the Civil War.

Descendants of many Spring Creek pioneers still reside in this vicinity.

(1990)

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.

cities and towns
Texas is not a state – it’s a state of mind
John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley
Parker County, TX has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche, before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 1850s, Texas became embroiled in conflicts with the Native American tribes, leading to the establishment of Fort Parker in what is now present-day Parker County. This fort served as protection for early settlers from Native American attacks.

In 1855, Parker County was officially established and named after Fort Parker. The county quickly grew as more settlers flocked to the region attracted by fertile land and an abundance of water sources. The advent of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century further spurred growth and development in the county.

Parker County played a significant role in the cattle industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The county's open prairies became an ideal location for cattle ranching, and the development of railroads allowed ranchers to transport their livestock to markets more efficiently. This led to prosperity and economic growth in the county, with many cattle ranches operating successfully.

Over the years, Parker County has seen its fair share of challenges and triumphs. It has weathered economic downturns, faced natural disasters like the devastating tornado outbreak in 1957, and experienced growth in population and urbanization. Today, Parker County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a rich history, welcoming residents, and picturesque landscapes that highlight its enduring legacy as an important part of Texas' past and present.

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

  • 1855: Parker County officially established on December 12.
  • 1856: Fort Worth becomes the county seat.
  • 1872: Weatherford becomes the county seat.
  • 1877: Santa Fe Railroad arrives in Weatherford.
  • 1885: The first oil well is drilled in the county.
  • 1919: Parker County experiences the deadliest tornado in Texas history, resulting in 114 fatalities.
  • 1956: The first major shopping center, Town & Country Shopping Center, opens in Weatherford.
  • 1974: Weatherford College is established.
  • 1993: Lake Weatherford Dam fails, causing significant flooding in the area.
  • 2010: Parker County celebrates its 155th anniversary.