A Piece of History Vanished

It's been there for 40 years... by the side of the road standing proudly just east of the intersection in Cottonwood. Then one day it was just an empty bent pole.

The Cottonwood Springs Historical Marker on FM 1079 was stolen recently and hopefully it found a good home with someone who will love and care for it as much as Cottonwood did.

Most likely, it's become a chunk of metal in a recycle bin.

Luckily, the marker will live on in more than just a photograph. Thanks to the Cottonwood Historical Association who has contacted the Texas Historical Commission in Austin and ordered a replacement marker. The marker will cost $1100, plus, of course, the cost of setting the marker in concrete.

If you'd like to donate to help replace the historical marker, please send a check to:

Historical Marker Fund
c/o Cottonwood Historical Assn
P. O. Box 704
Cross Plains, TX 76443

(and we thank you!)

What did that marker read?

Site of Cottonwood Springs

After Indians on High Plains were subdued (1874) by Gen. R. S. MacKenzie, settlers started to pour into this area, where they found abundant game, water, and good soil for ranching, farming. Cottonwood Springs, at head of Green Briar Creek, was one of first villages founded (in 1875). The town soon became a trading center for southeastern part of county. It had several stores, two churches, and a school; and although usually peaceful, it experienced many gun battles. The town name was shortened to "Cottonwood" after first post office was established in 1883. (1968)