Texas Historical Marker #12414
Clinton LaFayette Smith. Clinton (Clint) Lafayette Smith, son of Henry M. and Fanny (Short) Smith, was born in Kendall County, Texas. Clint, age 11, and his brother Jeff, age 9, were kidnapped by Lipan and Comanche Indians while herding sheep near their home in 1871. Clint was adopted by Chief Tasacowadi and lived with the Comanche for five years, until he gave himself up in a trade for Indians imprisoned at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After returning to his family, Smith became a trail driver and Angora goat breeder. He moved to Rocksprings in 1910 with his wife, Dixie (Dyche), and children. (2001) #12414
?, Rocksprings, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #11854
First Baptist Church of Rocksprings. In 1893, an early year in the community's history, a small group of seven organized the Missionary Baptist Church of Christ at Rocksprings. The church disbanded after a few years, but was reborn as Rocksprings Baptist Church in 1898. Seventeen members called the Rev. Dan W. Matthews as their first pastor in that year. The Ladies' Aid Society began in 1900 under Mrs. Matthews. A frame building was erected in 1904; a parsonage followed in 1909. The small church, through the dedication of its members, prospered until 1927, when a tornado devastated the town of Rocksprings. Texans came from far and wide to repair the community and rebuild the Baptist building. The church continued to thrive through the Depression and war years. By 1932 a Mexican American mission sponsored by the Baptists became a full Sunday School; in 1936 the membership of the Baptist church was 157 and in 1949 it was 207. The congregation was active in support of Baptist organizations. Modern brick facilities were dedicated on this site in 1966. In missionary service, community outreach, and devotion to worship, the First Baptist Church of Rocksprings continues to uphold the values and traditions of its pioneer founders. (1998) #11854
508 S. Uvalde, Rocksprings, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #05279
The "Chaparral". Built about 1895 by J.P. Taylor, from England. Then on the Fort McKavett-Fort Clark Road. In 1907 E.E. and Mary Sproul Morriss, early settlers, bought Taylor's acreage and patented more land. Ranch became social center. "Chaparral" refers to roadrunners and Dwarf Oaks, both numerous here. (1969) Incise on base: Ranch now owned by Mrs. N.S. Ward, the former Margaret Merle Morriss. #5279
?, Rocksprings, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #05134
Stopping Place on the Fort Clark-Fort McKavett Military Road. 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 established in 1852). Rocksprings, located here at the head of the South Llano River, was a natural mid-way rest stop. In 1877 Major John B. Jones' Texas Rangers assembled here to begin a major offensive to capture frontier outlaws. In addition to its military uses, the Fort Clark-Fort McKavett Road provided an accessible route for immigrants, cattle drovers, pioneer ranchers, mail carriers, and freighters. (1968, 1990) #5134
?, Rocksprings, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #04880
Site of Rocksprings' First School Building. First school session in new town of Rocksprings was held in a frame house surrounded by a strong rock wall, in winter of 1891-92. Teachers were a Mr. Cole and a Mr. Vaughn (whose strong voice served instead of a bell to call "Books"). Pupils came from families of Abner Benton, a Mr. Buswell, John Campbell, Charlie Cooper, Julian Gill, West Hill, O. W. Holmes, George Maul, J. R. Sanford, Reuben Stewart, J. R. Sweeten, and Ira Wheat. This school was succeeded by the Gem City Academy, which had 111 students in its second term. (1972) #4880
?, Rocksprings, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03702
Old Carson Store. First stone store in town; built 1920-21 by G. M. Carson, merchant. His 1904 general store (on this site) was for years only establishment in county selling caskets. Present store withstood 1927 tornado that killed 72 here; is still owned by the Carson family. (1968) #3702
?, Rocksprings, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #02578
Hough-Haven. Built 1897 by Samuel A. and Annie Bradford Hough. (Hough was one of first graduates, Texas A & M) Home of attorneys, two county judges, district clerks. Scene of numerous social events. The Houghs still own the "Haven." Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966. #2578
?, Rocksprings, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #00662
Camp Fawcett. Opened 1930. named for E.K. Fawcett, President, Southwest Texas council, Boy Scouts of America. That area--Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, Maverick, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Zavala counties -- merged in 1943 with the Concho Valley Council. Main Hall is named for 1930 camping chairman, V.A. Brown. (1967) Marker to be dedicated October 1, 1967 #662
?, Rocksprings, TX, United States