Town of Buffalo Gap
Inscription
Probably named for the pass in Callahan Divide (mountains) crossed by thousands of buffalo that once inhabited this area. Besides providing the native Apache and Comanche Indians with food, buffaloes drew the first white hunters here, about 1874. First homes in present town were dugouts of buffalo hunters.
The community began to grow in 1878 when it was named county seat and was located on the western cattle trail. In 1883, however, the new railroad town of Abilene became county seat and Buffalo Gap, like so many small Texas towns, lost prestige.
Location
Sources
More markers in Taylor
Abilene Reporter-News
Abilene, TX
The oldest existing business institution in Abilene is the Reporter Publishing Company, started by C. E. Gilbert.
Butterfield Mail and Stage Line
Tye, TX
One of major horse-drawn transportation projects of history.
The Ernie Wilson Museum
Buffalo Gap, TX
Located in Taylor County's historic first courthouse and jail.
Fletcher Ranch
Abilene, TX
In 1878 James Robert Fletcher, his wife, and son Lorenzo Thomas (1868-1939) came here from Granbury.
Near Site of Indian Battle
Merkel, TX
On February 15, 1870, Corporal Hilliard Morrow and five men of Company E, 24th U.S. Infantry, set out from Fort Griffin to relieve guards...