Organized 1873 by 25 former members of the Live Oak Church located near Nickel, Texas. Two-story structure built 1873-74; cornerstone laid January 31, 1874. Upper story used by Masonic Lodge until 1894; later served as schoolroom; removed about turn of century. Braces placed in structure after 1886 storm. Lower floor used continuously since 1874 as Baptist church. Congregation celebrated 75th anniversary on October 24, 1948.

Discoverer of first commercial oil field in south Texas; founder of Mirando City, as base of operations. Born in Lincoln county, Mo.; graduated in law at University of Missouri, 1898. Operated stores and lumber yards and served 8 years in legislature of Oklahoma. Came to Texas to explore for oil in 1920. After drilling twice unsuccessfully, he brought in as a pumper the first commercial well south of San Antonio, Mirando Oil Co. No.3 Hinnant, April 17, 1921. With Colon Schott of Cincinnati, Oh., drilled Schott No. 2 (1 mile south of here), which came in as a gusher Dec. 10, 1921 -- opening the south Texas oil boom. The U.S. Post Office in Mirando City opened May 18, 1922, to serve town that jumped suddenly in population to a reputed 13,000. All sorts of businesses boomed; and churches, school, and medical facilities expanded. O.W. Killam was crowned "King Petrol" at Oil Men's Jubilee, Laredo, July 4, 1937. He was also esteemed by ranchers aware of oil lease benefits to the area. Killam and his wife Hattie (Smith) had 3 children: Winfield (Hank, now deceased), Louise (Mrs. John Hurd, also deceased), and Radcliffe. The O.W. Killam shops and Radcliffe Killam's oil operations continue as Mirando City celebrates its 50th anniversary.

In 1892 Claude B. Hudspeth (1877-1941) began publication of a weekly newspaper called the "Ozona Kicker." Following his three-year ownership, Hudspeth entered politics, serving first in the Texas Legislature and later as representative from the Sixteenth Texas District to the United States Congress.

The newspaper was published by later owners as the "Enterprise," "Courier," and "Optimist." When County Judge Charles E. Davidson purchased the operation in 1913, he changed the name to "Ozona Stockman" to reflect the important role of cattlemen and the ranching industry in the development of Crockett County and the surrounding area. W. Evart White took over as publisher and editor in 1926. A native of Tom Green County, he had served on newspaper staffs in Austin, San Angelo, San Antonio, and Cuero before purchasing the "Stockman." Under his leadership the content and format of the paper were changed to match the style of leading daily publications. In 1941 White directed the work on an 88-page special edition. Printed in honor of Crockett County's 50th anniversary, it was considered a major achievement for the staff of a weekly paper. White retired in 1972 after 46 years with the "Stockman."

Published since 1887. Oldest newspaper in the Texas Panhandle, second oldest business in the area. Founded by H.H. Brookes. Principal owner 1926-58, David M. Warren, oil man, banker, a Regent of the University of Texas. Don and Norene Peoples owners at 75th Anniversary. In Memoriam - David M. Warren (1894-1958) by Mrs. David M. Warren, David M. Warren, Jr., Randolph J. Warren.

Conceived by the San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (SJCDRT), the Pioneer Memorial Log House was created to commemorate Texas' 1936 Centennial. Designed by the SJCDRT and a Houston architect to model an authentic pioneer cabin, the structure served as both a Chapter home and a hospitality house.

Despite difficult economic times, the SJCDRT raised all funds for the structure. Land was donated by the City of Houston, and pine logs came from the property of the President of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Rather than relinquish their hard-won monies to the city as required by the Public Works Administration, the SJCDRT hired a contractor and laborers independently.

Craftsmen painstakingly pieced together the hand-notched logs and built the chimney with stones taken from historic Texas structures and buildings associated with famous Texans. Other notable original features of the house include the three-bay front porch, gable roof, exposed rafter ends, and double door primary entrance. Dedicated on March 2, 1936, the 100th anniversary of Texas Independence, the Pioneer Memorial Log House continued to serve beyond Texas' Centennial year. The home is host to historic, patriotic, educational, and civic groups.

The 64 charter members of St.John's Evangelical Lutheran Church included families who migrated to Texas from Germany in the 1840s. Organized on Dec. 26, 1857, by the Rev. Phillips F. Zizelmann (1824-1902), a native of Wurttemberg, Germany. This was the first Lutheran Congregation in the San Antonio area. Worship services were originally held in a schoolhouse.

Pastor Zizelmann, who also founded a day school, served the congregation until 1860 and participated on March 5, 1860, in laying the cornerstone for the First Church building. The Civil War (1861-1865) delayed completion of the structure, but in 1871 a pulpit and an alter were acquired. A tower was added in 1875 and topped by a Gilded Rooster Weather Vane, which inspired the affectionate nickname, "The Rooster Church". In 1886, when a new edifice was built around the existing structure, the tower was extended and the Rooster, which had earned more amusement than respect, was replaced by a cross.

Because of street widening in 1927, the old church building was razed and a larger one erected. It was completed in 1932 to coincide with the congregation's 75th anniversary.

Built by Alsatian settlers of Castro Colony, in Republic of Texas. Dedicated by the Rt. Rev. John Odin, C.M., first Catholic Bishop of Texas, on Nov. 9, 1846. Claude Dubuis, 1847 pastor, was later a Bishop of Texas. Here in 1868 Sisters of Divine Providence opened their first permanent school in Texas. First mother house of order in Texas was established in Castroville. Marked on 100th Anniversary of founding The Sisters of Divine Providence in Texas.

Under a brush arbor in 1901, Rev. J.V. Havner, a Methodist circuit preacher, led area residents as they organized a Methodist congregation. In January 1902, Hood Taylor deeded approximately two acres to the church, which thereafter became known as Taylor's Chapel.

Although the earliest church records have been lost, those involved in the congregation during its formative years included the Robertson, Bingham, Chapman, Vaughn and Power families. Jim Power, Jim Robertson and Sam Vineyard were important early leaders.

In 1914, Rev. Hutchins S. Anglin, known as the "walking preacher," was elected pastor of the church, a position he held until 1920. Rev. Brady Claud "B.C." Slate served in the 1920s, and Rev. William Sineon "Will" Clark served in the 1930s and 1940s. In combined years of service, Rev. Gloyd Horton and Rev. J.L. Jones pastored more than 30 years, from 1949 until 1981.

Although construction on the congregation's first church house began in January 1902, members have often held services outside, under brush arbors and tabernacles, since their earliest meeting in 1901. Their first sanctuary served until 1948, when a new building was dedicated.

Since that time, membership has fluctuated, with rising numbers at the church's centennial anniversary in 2001. The Taylor's Chapel Congregational Methodist Church, a part of the Soda Springs Community, continues to serve as a focal point and place of worship for the surrounding rural area.

At this site, on the second floor of a hardware store, 70 students enrolled for the first session of Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute, September 16, 1890. The students included 28 Creeks from Indian Territory. The City of Denton provided classrooms for the faculty of five under president Joshua C. Chilton, an educator with previous experience and training in Ohio and Indiana. In 1891, the school moved to a building at the present site of North Texas State University. This marker dedicated on 75th Anniversary of the University.

Before you stands THE CITY OF EL PASO in the valley of the Rio Grande and across is CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. To the far right is the river's southern exit through the famed Pass of the North from which El Paso takes its name. This is historic ground. Here primitive men, from immemorial time, marched along the course of the Rio Grande's life giving waters. Here at this stony pass questing men in the wilderness found the most accessible and strategic gateway through the southmost reaches of the Rocky Mountains huge continental ridge. The importance of the pass was recognized by the Spaniards who named it four centuries ago. They settled here with the natives and much later came the Americans.

This drowsy, stagecoach village was aroused when the railroads came through the pass in 1881 linking the far oceans. El Paso sprang to life, and became a busy city of destiny.

To the strong men who explored and pioneered this west, to the stout-hearted men and women who founded and built El Paso, this tablet and the descriptive markers to the right and left are proudly dedicated by: The State National Bank of El Paso, Texas on the 81st anniversary of its founding in 1881.