Historical Marker

Barnard's Trading Post No. 2

Historical marker location:
US 67, Glen Rose, Texas
( US 67, 8 mi. E of Glen Rose. North side of the road, just west of intersection with CR 308/CR 406.)
Marker installed: 1997
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The Torrey brothers of Connecticut and their childhood friend George Barnard, with President Sam Houston as a partner, contracted to build a series of trading posts along the Brazos River in 1843. Barnard's friendly manner made the Indians his friends, paving the way for more peaceful frontier settlement. In 1846, George ransomed a young girl, Juana Cavasos, from a group of Comanches at the post on Tehuacana Creek near Waco for $300. By 1847 she had married his brother Charles. In 1849, Charles and George established a post within this valley where Charles and Juana would live. In view of Comanche Peak in modern-day Hood County, the second post was four miles north of this site and near a Shawnee-Delaware village. Trading goods from a bulletproof "dog-run" log house, the brothers did an excellent business, and Juana's influence on the region equaled theirs. Two Anglo communities sprang up in the area: George's Creek and Fort Spunky.

The government relocated the area's Indian population to Oklahoma in 1859; the need for a trading post dwindled. 1860 found Charles and Juana beginning a community on the Paluxy River, where he built a large stone gristmill. The town that grew around the mill was called Barnard's Mill, later renamed Glen Rose. (1998)

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 random facts
Somervell County, located in north-central Texas, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The area was originally occupied by Native American tribes, primarily the Tonkawa, before European settlers arrived in the 1850s. The county was officially established in 1875 and was named after Alexander Somervell, a Texas general who fought during the Texas Revolution.

In the late 19th century, Somervell County became a prominent center for agriculture and ranching. Cotton was the main crop grown in the county, and many farms and plantations flourished during this time. Additionally, the discovery of large limestone deposits in the county led to the establishment of several quarries, which became an important industry for the area.

One of the most significant events in Somervell County's history occurred in the early 20th century. In 1929, construction began on the Glen Rose Dam, which created the picturesque Lake Granbury. This provided water for irrigation and recreational opportunities, leading to the growth of tourism in the area.

Today, Somervell County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes tourism, agriculture, and small businesses. The county is known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as the Dinosaur Valley State Park, which features fossilized dinosaur footprints, and the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a popular safari park. The historic downtown area of Glen Rose remains a charming destination for visitors, showcasing its rich history through numerous preserved buildings and museums.

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

  • 1849 - Somervell County is established as a county by the Texas state legislature.
  • 1850 - The first settlers begin arriving in Somervell County.
  • 1852 - The county's first post office is established at Glen Rose.
  • 1860 - The population of Somervell County reaches 604 residents.
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, and many men from Somervell County join the Confederate Army.
  • 1875 - The Texas Central Railroad is completed, passing through Glen Rose and boosting the local economy.
  • 1881 - Dinosaur tracks are discovered along the Paluxy River, leading to increased tourism and scientific interest in the area.
  • 1906 - The creation of the Brazos River Authority brings hydroelectric power to Somervell County.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression heavily impacts the county's agricultural and oil industries.
  • 1969 - The Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant is completed, providing a major source of employment and revenue for Somervell County.
  • 1990 - The population of Somervell County reaches 6,333 residents.
  • 2013 - The creation of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center attracts tourists from around the world.
  • 2019 - Somervell County celebrates its 170th anniversary since its establishment.