Texas Plains Trail Region

31/08/2024

Friday morning started out with another Red River War Sesquicentennial event at the beautiful Hamblen Drive lookout point hosted by the Frontier Regiment of the High Plains.

Board member, Vicki Hamblen, was in attendance for this special ceremony. Her great-grandfather, Will Hamblen, is the pioneer who first established the road that is now Highway 207, across Palo Duro Canyon.

Learn more about the Red River Wars: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/red-river-war

Visit Hamblen Drive Scenic Lookout: https://texastimetravel.com/directory/hamblen-drive-roadside-park-picnic-area/

29/08/2024

📝A Recipe for a Perfect Saturday:

🍌Ingredients
1. Slaton Bakery vanilla wafers (a West Texas staple for over 90 years)
2. Bananas
3. Pudding
4. A pudding pass: https://shorturl.at/wNitE

🍌Directions
Purchase your pudding pass.
Head to downtown Slaton on Saturday, August 31st, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Texas Banana Pudding Festival! There will be 4 delectable puddings available for you to enjoy amongst a wonderful setting of artisans, cooks, crafters and live musicians!

📸 Slaton Bakery; Cherry Delight and The King Pudding

29/08/2024

Here’s a “don’t miss opportunity” from our partner region!

🌄 Looking for an unforgettable journey through Far West Texas? Explore authentic Texas destinations, dive deep into the rich culture and history, and experience the true spirit of the Texas Mountain Trail. This is the perfect trip for those who want to connect with the land, the people, and the stories that make Texas unique. Secure your adventure now and make memories that will last a lifetime. Book your trip today! Utilize a Labor Day Discount of 10% through 9/2/24 using code “Trost24.”

[Click here to book your tour](https://authentictexas.com/Destinations/Tours/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHcRUVh4upmRt2fjFV9seCAPW3KiQFAefot88X64DvQQxMyEhErIQwTgN7w_aem_Ubt5sMblwtP9q_DVmxh1Kw).

Authentic Texas Trost Trail Far West Texas Tour! From El Paso to Marfa, immerse yourself in architectural marvels, stunning landscapes, and the unique history of the Texas Mountain Trail Region while enjoying luxurious stays in historic Trost Hotels.

27/08/2024

💙 We are fortunate to have Historic Lubbock County working to preserve their part of our 52 county region! We appreciate you!

26/08/2024

Historic theaters in our 52-county region are more than just buildings; they are cultural hubs that connect us to our past and inspire our future. These theaters have witnessed decades of community life, from movie screenings to live performances, and their restoration breathes new life into rural areas.

We are cheering on our partners in Post and can’t wait to see the progress.

The Perky Palette aims to provide access to the arts at no cost in rural communities, and it just found a building to further that mission.

24/08/2024

🌅Living on the Llano Estacado is like embracing the vastness of the horizon. The open plains stretch endlessly. Life here is shaped by the rugged beauty of the land, where the sunsets are breathtaking, and the nights are filled with stars.

🌽This year At'l Do Farms Corn Maize outdid themselves to bring this to life with their maze and theme. We cannot wait to head out there on a crisp, fall evening.

Open Sat Sep 14 - Sat Nov 9!
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It has NEVER been more beautiful out on the farm! 🌳 We've planted trees, landscaped, added new shade & seating structures, and have been endlessly preparing for this new season. We cannot wait for you to see the improvements this year!
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⬇ Tickets, Campfire Reservations, & Birthday Parties all linked below! Online ticket-holders have an express line - so get yours today!
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"What is the Llano Estacado?

The “Staked Plains” or “Stockaded Plains” is roughly the size of the state of Indiana. It encompasses both the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico and within its borders are major cities such as Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Portales, and Clovis.

Geographically it is a 37,500 square mile plateau or “Tableland” that has a distinctive flatness, defined by canyons that create its borders. Despite its flat appearance, the Llano Estacado is an impressive 3000 feet above sea level on its eastern edge and 4000 feet on its Western edge, leading some to call the massive land formation 'An Island in the Sky.'

The Llano Estacado was once a vast grassland, home to nomadic tribes of Comanche and Apache who hunted the roaming Bison and Antelope. Today the land is used primarily for growing cotton, ranching beef, and oil production.

The Llano Estacado is the land we call ‘home’. It is a land with a rich history, a quiet presence, and an endless horizon.”
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General admission: https://atldofarms.ticketspice.com/fall-admission
Campfires: https://atldofarms.ticketspice.com/campfires
Birthday Parties: https://atldofarms.ticketspice.com/birthday-parties

19/08/2024

Have you heard the legacy of Cleo and his descendants? Plan your trip to the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site where you will learn about the pioneering spirit of the people who settled in the Texas Panhandle.

Happy 120th Birthday to William 'Cleo' Hubbard!

Cleo arrived at the Goodnight Ranch as an infant when his mother, Ella Patience Hubbard, began working as a housekeeper. Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight quickly grew fond of Cleo and ensured he was set up for success from a young age. Charles taught Cleo everything there was to know about ranching, including handling cattle, bison, and horses. At the age of 19, Cleo became the foreman of Goodnight Ranch and was given 2400 acres of it. Cleo's descendants continue his legacy today by running short-horn cattle on the very land given to him by Charles in 1926 and are dedicated to preserving the history of Goodnight, TX.

16/08/2024

2024 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Red River War in the Texas Panhandle.

In an effort to continue to gain a deeper understanding of how Native American cultures shaped our region, and the enduring legacy of the battles we reached out to James Coverdale, Pago Doti, a descendant of Kiowa warrior, known as Two Hatchet, Yeah Hau Tone. He graciously authored the piece below to commemorate and educate us on these historic battles.

📍 https://texastimetravel.com/blog/echoes-of-adobe-walls/

Pictured: James Coverdale, Pago Doti, describing the 1874 Battle of Adobe Walls

13/08/2024

🏆In 2023, the Award of Excellence in Preserving History from the Texas Historical Commission was awarded to the Southwest Collections/Special Collections Library of Texas Tech University for its successful digitization of more than 350,000 issues of regional West Texas newspapers over the past 20 years. The content of the newspaper provides researchers with a time-capsule perspective of historic, social and cultural events relevant to West Texas history.

Morgan White and Austin Allison attended the awards ceremony in Austin, Texas, on April 4, 2024, at the Texas Historical Commission’s Annual Real Places Conference. Officials from the Texas Plains Trail Region Board submitted this application, and it was chosen by the THC Preservation Awards committee.

This past month, the Southwest Collections completed a new exhibit to showcase this outstanding achievement and award. It is located at the Southwest Collections/Special Collections Library Coronelli Globe Rotunda.

📩Applications are open through August 30, 2024, for the next round of Preservation Awards to recognize worthy accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the preservation of Texas’ heritage. Find award categories and submission guidelines here: https://thc.texas.gov/preserve/preservation-awards

09/08/2024

Join Historic Lubbock County and Texas Tech University for the unveiling ceremony of the Texas Historical Marker for the college’s first President, Paul Whitfield Horn, on August 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

On November 22, 1923, the newly created Texas Technological College Board unanimously elected Dr. Paul Horn as the first President. His task was to make Tech more than just a college on paper. Horn hired the first deans and department heads and approved the Spanish Renaissance design for new buildings – extending his vision of the future. In 1932, Dr. Horn passed away while in office, but his contributions to Texas Tech have long outlived him.

(Photo – Texas Tech Southwest Collections)

02/08/2024

🌄 It’s been an exciting several days exploring the Texas Mountain Trail Region for our Texas Heritage Trails Program Statewide meeting. Thank you to Board President, Austin Allison, and Vice President, Dolores Mosser for representing us. We also had a wonderful presentation from board member, Tania Moody, Texas Downtown Director.

🏆 A huge thank you to the Mountain Trail and sponsors for setting up this meeting. We love getting to explore our great state and support other regions.

27/07/2024

On National Day of the Cowboy, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the cowboy, whose spirit and traditions have indelibly shaped the Texas Plains Trail Region.

The Texas Plains Trail Region is steeped in cowboy heritage. Many communities and heritage sites work to preserve the stories and artifacts of these rugged individuals, offering a glimpse into the past and honoring their contributions to our culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the cowboy, understanding their pivotal role in cattle drives, ranching, and the development of the region.

Rodeos, a testament to the cowboy's enduring skills and tenacity, continue to draw crowds and participants. These events showcase the prowess and bravery of modern cowboys and cowgirls, keeping the traditions of bronc riding, roping, and steer wrestling alive.

Working ranches across the Texas Plains Trail Region, many of which have been passed down through generations, still operate with the same principles and practices established by early cowboys. These ranches are not only a testament to the cowboy’s hard work and resilience but also serve as living museums where the traditions of the past meet the realities of modern ranching.

Saddle up and visit TexasPlainsTrail.com to plan your own cowboy adventure in our region.

📷 Four Sixes Ranch

26/07/2024

Visit the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site in our region to experience their love story and legacy for yourself!

25/07/2024

We love seeing new ideas being carried out at our museums like this mini gift shop (especially when they have such cute products!) Check it out when you make a trip to the Mabee Regional Heritage Center where you can explore the Flying Queens Museum, Jimmy Dean Museum and Museum of the Llano Estacado in Plainview!

24/07/2024

We love seeing partners in the region working together to promote one another! Check out this amazing tour of the Deaf Smith County Museum & E.B. Black Heritage House and then plan a trip to experience it for yourself. 💙

22/07/2024

The Panhandle Herald celebrates 137 years of publishing news for our region today! 🎉

On this day in 1887, at Panhandle, Texas, Henry Harold Brookes published the Panhandle Herald, now the oldest continuously published newspaper in the Texas Panhandle. The paper has been a weekly except in 1922 and from 1926 to 1928, when it was issued semiweekly. It had numerous owners through the years until it became part of the Panhandle Publishing Company in 1932. The Herald printed a special Fiftieth Anniversary Edition on July 22, 1937.
📍Learn more here: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/panhandle-herald

📸 Newly cleaned and repainted historical markers that will be returned to the newly remodeled Panhandle Herald building as it’s returning to its former look. Photos courtesy of Mary Lou Lane

16/07/2024

Thank you for sharing about the arrow!

Exploring the Wichita Brazos Museum and Cultural Center - Knox County in the Plains Trail Region is a journey through the rich history of Knox County. This museum offers a deep dive into the cultural and historical tapestry of the area, showcasing fascinating exhibits that highlight local heritage. Make sure to follow their page for more insights and updates on Knox County history.

Check it out here: https://texastimetravel.com/directory/wichita-brazos-museum-and-cultural-center/

What is the purpose of the Arrow in front of the Wichita Brazos Museum ? On September 7, 2011, this Arrow was set in place. It was the 5th one erected within the Texas Plains Trail Region as part of the Quanah Parker Trail. On the Marker, it reads "The Comanches, Kiowas and Apaches used a well-marked trail over "The Narrows" that US 82/SH114 follows today." Each stop on the QPT will tell a part of our region's connection to the history of the Natives Americans who roamed the Texas Panhandle-Plains during the late 1870's. These Arrows along the trail are physical reminders to stop, explore, and learn more about the history of the Texas Plains Trail Region and the Quanah Parker Trail. Stop by and visit the Museum.

11/07/2024

🦬 What is that noise? Is it a bear, a lion, a tiger? Hmm, surely not in Caprock Canyons…it’s a bison!

🦬 Please note, it’s the beginning of the rut. We always want to maintain a safe distance from these guys, but especially now when they can be extra territorial.

07/07/2024

📰 Newspapers are vital to communities, serving as a cornerstone for local news, events, and issues.

🗞️ We're thrilled to announce that Lynn County News has been honored with the Texas Treasure Business Award, recognizing this local newspaper's significant contributions to keeping the community informed and connected.

Despite the changes and evolution of the newspaper industry over the decades, many small-town newspapers continue to thrive as vital sources of local news and information for their respective communities.

The Lynn County News is a weekly newspaper published in Tahoka, Texas, first established by Otis and Inez Lilly in 1903.

As a local newspaper, the Lynn County News is deeply embedded in the community it represents. The paper's coverage reflects the residents' values, interests, and aspirations, capturing the diverse stories, events, and voices that make up the fabric of the local area.

Though ownership has changed hands numerous times over the decades, it has always remained dedicated to serving the local community with trusted news and information. The paper's current owner, Kristina Janet-Sherrill, took over in October 2023, continuing a family legacy as her grandparents previously owned the publication in the 1960s-70s.

Recently, the Lynn County News was honored with a Texas Treasure Business Award by the Texas Historical Commission. The program pays tribute to the state’s well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions to communities across Texas. Texas Treasure Business Awards are given out quarterly, with the next round of nominations being processed on August 1.

Learn more: https://thc.texas.gov/preserve/tourism-and-economic-development/texas-treasure-business-awards

04/07/2024

🎆 Happy Fourth of July from the Texas Plains Trail Region! As we celebrate our nation's independence, let's honor the spirit of freedom and the rich history that makes this region unique. Enjoy the festivities, fireworks, and the beautiful landscapes that make Texas home. Have a safe and joyful holiday!

📸 The 2024 Inagural Field of Honor Canadian Bridge of Honor in Canadian, Texas, made possible by The American Legion Zybach Owens Post 56 and generous sponsors. River Valley Pioneer Museum

📍The flags will be on display until 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th. Visit the bridge: https://texastimetravel.com/directory/canadian-river-wagon-bridge/

01/07/2024

💙 A wonderful new addition to the Amarillo community and our region!

Did you see.... FTHC board member Wes Reeves and members of the Potter County Historical Commission were on hand for the much-anticipated Matthew “Bones” Hooks historical marker dedication. Nearly 100 folks turned out for the event and many others stopped by the park later for free hamburgers and hotdogs sponsored by the Amarillo Historical Preservation Foundation!

From left are Lance Garza (marker chair), Jamie Beckham, Clara Brown-Trimble, Wes Reeves (chairman) and Lillie Miller. The marker has been placed in Bones Hooks Park in the North Heights neighborhood of Amarillo, an area Hooks developed in the 1920s.

27/06/2024

It was an beautiful, early morning on the Plains Trail today. We attended the sunrise ceremony to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Second Battle of Adobe Walls with the Frontier Regiment of the High Plains at the 1874 site historical marker.

Head to texasplainstrial.com and scroll down to regional highlights to see the heritage sites that feature exhibits and information on the Red River War, which this battle ultimately led to. Plan a visit to gain a deeper understanding of the Native American cultures that have shaped our region. Visit historic landmarks, museums, and cultural centers to experience firsthand the profound impact of these events and the enduring legacy of the battles

Learn more about the battle: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/adobe-walls-second-battle-of

27/06/2024

🌟 A Big Thank You to Our Top Fans! 🌟

We are thrilled to recognize and express our gratitude to our top page fans for this week! Your support and engagement mean the world to us. Thank you for liking, sharing, and commenting on our posts. Your enthusiasm helps us spread the word about the Texas Plains Trail Region and its rich history.

Sarah Tumlinson Page, Robert W Counseller, Vicki Hamblen, Nanny Young, Tammie Virden, Phil Barefield, Jere H. Madison, Dolores McCall Mosser

20/06/2024

We had a productive meeting today in Brownfield with great discussions on strategic initiatives and planning for FY25. Thank you so much to the Brownfield Chamber & Visitor Information Center for hosting us!

We had a delicious lunch at Tenchas on the square downtown and then headed to the Terry County Heritage Museum. Their board president gave us a fabulous tour of the museum and grounds.

Learn more about the history of Brownfield and plan your own trip here: https://texastimetravel.com/cities/brownfield/

Would you like to attend a meeting and tour or be a part of our board? Please email [email protected] and we will make sure you’re on the list for the next meeting or answer any questions about becoming a board member.

19/06/2024

If you’re close to Lubbock tomorrow, make plans to attend the historical marker dedication hosted by Historic Lubbock County.

If you cannot attend, the Museum of Texas Tech University has a wonderful online exhibit and article showcasing Lusks’ legacy!

This Thursday, June 20, at 10 a.m., there will be an official historical marker dedication at Willie Lusk Jr. Park, East 25th Street and Oak Avenue to honor Lubbock Bootmaker Willie Lusk Jr. The Texas Historical Commission approved the marker in Lubbock which the city and the Lubbock County Historical Commission are hosting the dedication.

Lusk rose to prominance as the first African American Bootmaker in Texas, handcrafting boots for names such as Ronald Reagan, Omar Bradley, Betty White, Shirley Temple, Merle Haggard, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Audie Murphy and more.

The Museum told the story of Lusk in 2020 with an exhibition featuring his boots. A online exhibition was made to continue to tell his story which can be viewed here:
https://ttumuseumexhibitions.com/luskboots/

To read more about the dedication and Lusk's impact in Lubbock, read here:
https://lubbocklights.com/these-boots-were-made-for-world-history-and-they-came-from-lubbock-texas/

18/06/2024

On this day in 1876, Charles Goodnight and John G. Adair drew up the contract that brought the JA Ranch into being. The JA is the oldest privately owned cattle ranch in the Panhandle. Goodnight had met Adair, an English aristocrat interested in going into the cattle business, in Denver. Adair agreed to furnish the capital Goodnight needed to build up his "Home Ranch" in Armstrong County.

The five-year contract provided for two-thirds of the property and profit to go to Adair and one-third to Goodnight. At Goodnight's suggestion the ranch was named for Adair's initials. The arrangement was profitable, and when the contract expired, it was extended for another five years.

When Adair died in 1885 his wife continued the partnership. At the end of the twentieth century the ranch had seen many changes and was substantially fenced and cross-fenced. It was still noted for its purebred Herefords and Angus bulls.

Today, the JA Ranch remains a private operation run by Cornelia’s descendants. It is a National Historic Landmark.

To experience Panhandle cattle industry history, the JA Ranch and the legacy of Charles Goodnight, visit the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site and the Armstrong County Museum, Inc.

📷 Headquarters of the JA Ranch, Texas Historical Commission

17/06/2024

On this day in 1965, the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation opened a sound and light show titled "Thundering Sounds of the West" in an outdoor amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon. The foundation was organized in 1961, with Margaret P. Harper as president, to increase tourism to Palo Duro Canyon State Scenic Park through the presentation of a historical drama. The foundation's primary goal was the construction of the 1,600-seat Pioneer Amphitheatre. "Thundering Sounds of the West" ran until September 6, 1965, and attracted 36,000 visitors. Its success led to the first annual staging of the musical drama TEXAS the following year.

Be a part of the show’s legacy and purchase tickets for the 58th season of TEXAS Outdoor Musical here: https://www.texas-show.com/

📸 TEXAS Outdoor Musical

16/06/2024

The Potter County Historical Commission and the North Heights Advisory Association will be honoring Bones Hooks on June 19th for a special Juneteenth event. This event and marker recognizes the profound legacy of a trailblazing African American cowboy who significantly contributed to the Amarillo community. His resilience and dedication symbolize the essence of freedom and progress celebrated on this historic day.

Learn more here: https://www.amarillo.com/story/news/2024/06/07/panhandle-legend-bones-hooks-to-be-honored-with-historical-marker-at-park-on-juneteenth/74016503007/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1XztpqRzeW1dhcB9fr2Hkx5rsEwaPwm1sfcd_jTsIZ7XM-d1-hFiHlP6g_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

The marker commemoration ceremony will begin at noon June 19 at Bones Hooks Park as part of Juneteeth festivities, which run Sunday through June 22.

15/06/2024

🎉 Today is the day! Head to the Route 66 District in Amarillo for the Texas Route 66 Festival finale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.!

🛍️🍔🎶 Discover the charm of the Amarillo Historic Route 66 District with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. Enjoy pop-up vendor booths, savor diverse cuisine in our food truck park, groove to live music, and experience the glamour of the Miss Texas Route 66 Pinup Pageant, enjoy kids' activities, our Sonic TX 66 Corn Dog Eating contest, Classic Car Show and more!

GOOD MORNING AMARILLO!

Today is the day we've all been waiting for. Join us for the 2nd annual TX 66 Festival Finale presented by Amarillo National Bank in the Amarillo Historic Route 66 District (6th Ave) from 11 AM - 7 PM ✨

Learn more: https://www.visitamarillo.com/events/route-66/finale/

14/06/2024

There’s nothing like ending a full day of travel and exploring with homemade pie! Their last stop was back in Vega where they visited Mama Jo's Pies & Sweets.

Each one of their treats are made by hand, the old-fashioned way and they are a destination for true down home desserts!

Make this a stop on your next Route 66 adventure! https://mamajospies.com/

🍫🥧P.s. - Our favorite is the chocolate cream pie.