Mackenzie Trail
Inscription
(Merged at this point into SH 55) When the U.S. Army built forts Clark (70 mi. SW) and McKavett (90 mi. NE) in 1852, this frontier trail connected the posts. After Fort Concho was established in 1867, the trail was extended farther north, to present San Angelo. It was later named for Col. Ranald S. Mackenzie, the 1873 commander of Fort Clark, who traveled it in his campaigns against hostile Indians.
One of its landmarks was Mackenzie Lake (6.5 mi. N), which furnished water for the troops, for cattle drives up the trail, for settlers, and for Texas Rangers on frontier patrols. (1977)
Location
Sources
More markers in Edwards
Edwards County
Rocksprings, TX
Atop the Edwards Plateau, extending into the scenic Nueces Valley.
Site of Nix Mill
Barksdale, TX
(1885 - 1926) Built by John L. Nix (1842-1915) to cut rawhide lumber, grind corn and wheat, and gin cotton.
Stopping Place on the Fort Clark-Fort Mc Kavett Military Road
Rocksprings, TX
One of many roads built to connect frontier cavalry posts in Texas, this route led south to Fort Clark and north to Fort McKavett (both...
The Pioneer Coalsons
Barksdale, TX
(Cedar Creek Ranch and graves about 9 miles WNW) Indians attacked goat camp of Nick Coalson on June 1, 1877; son Arthur, 10, was killed;...