Texas Historical Marker #06291
Old Dobie Ranch, Birthplace of J. Frank Dobie (Sept. 26, 1888-Sept. 18, 1964). A strong individualist and noted folklorist who added a new dimension to literature of Southwest. Collected and published more than 30 volumes of folk tales and legends. His works best preserve the heritage of people of the brush country--the rancher, the miner and the cowboy. (1970) #6291
FM 3162, off US 281, 23 mi. SE of George West, George West, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #05623
VFW and American Legion War Mantial. In memory of those who served, and gave their lives for freedom and defense of their country. #5623
Houston and Guadalupe St., George West, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03893
Crossing of Old Ox-Cart Roads. From the early days of spanish colonial Texas well into statehood, the only "Highways" in the area were primitive dirt roads. Although many had names, others were simply called "ox-cart roads" for the sturdy mexican carts so frequently seen on them. In the 19th century this site was a junction for two of these roads, one extending from Brownsville to San Antonio, the other from Laredo to Goliad, then over to Indianola on the Gulf Coast. This strategic location helped Oakville grow into a thriving town and become county seat of Live Oak County in 1856. Ox-carts were unique in being constructed entirely of wood, fastened by wooden pins and rawhide thongs. The two wheels stood taller than a man and the bed was usually 15 feet long, covered by a thatched roof. To stop the deafening squeak of the wheels, drivers greased the hubs with prickly pear leaves. Pulled by several yoke of oxen, the carts usually traveled in groups. Their arrival meant fresh coffee, beans, salt, and sugar for isolated settlers. Although gradually replaced by wagons, carts were for two centuries almost the only freight vehicles in Texas. Reminders of their former importance long remained in the names of these two old roads. #3893
US 281, 4 mi. N. of George West, George West, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03104
Live Oak County. Created by legislature Feb. 2, 1856, and organized August 4 with Oakville as county seat. Formed from San Patricio and Nueces Counties. Named for its Live Oak trees. County seat moved, 1919, to George West on railroad. Center for ranching, farming, petroleum production and processing. Recreation areas include Tips State Park and Lake Corpus Christi. Historic sites are Fort Ramirez, first settlement; Fort Merrill, built 1850 to protect early settlers; Brownsville-San Antonio Oxcart Road, used by general Santa Anna on the way to the Alamo. Other sites marked. #3104
US 281, s. of George West, George West, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01376
Echo Stagecoach Depot and Post Office. Known as "Mount Echo" or "The Point", this site once belonged to Empresario James McGloin. His daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Patrick Murphy, ran a general store at Echo. John Bernard Murphy (1822?-1884) and his wife Margaret Mary (Healy) (1833-1907), both born in Ireland, settled here in the 1850's and built a two story ranch house. J.B. Murphy, who was not related to Patrick Murphy, was later mayor of Corpus Christi. A one-story building near the J.B. Murphy ranch house served as a station for stagecoach lines from San Antonio to Corpus Christi and south Texas. It housed the Echo Post Office from 1858 until 1879. The stage road through echo was a dry weather route along the East Bank of the Nueces River. A higher caliche road that was passable in wet seasons served stage stops on the west side of the river. Until the arrival of the railroad in this area, the echo depot and post office provided a vital link with the outside world. In the 1880's, Margaret Mary Murphy moved to San Antonio and founded the Sisters of the Holy Ghost. She used the ranch as a retreat for nuns and converted the echo depot into a chapel. R.F. sellers bought the property in 1906 and used the building for storage. It was demolished by hurricane Celia in 1970. #1376
On FM 888 about 17 mi. SE of George West, George West, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #00824
Charter Oak. In 1856, Live Oak County organized, first officers elected, at this site. Scene of picnics, horse races, school programs. #824
FM 799, 6 mi. E. of George West, George West, TX, United States