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History
on a Pinhead:
Settlement began during the Civil War when the
absence of men created a serious Indian threat. Twenty-five families attempted
to start a community here in 1864, but were hit by a devastating drought. The
settlers moved to more hospitable regions and the site sat uninhabited for fourteen
years.
Finally, Brothers C. O. and J. Q. Burnett settled near the ruins
of the would-be town, naming it after the creek of the same name.
A post
office was soon granted and the community grew to 200 residents by the mid 1890s.
The next figures available (1914) showed a decline to 125, and falling below that
in the mid 1920s.
The post office closed in the mid 1950s, but Buffalo
Springs continues to be on the map. The estimated population of 60 in the mid
1960s has fallen to 51 for the 2000 census.
Buffalo
Springs Historical Marker
Buffalo
Springs 1936 Centennial Highway Marker |
Markers
on the junction of FM 174 and FM 3077
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, September 2009 |
1936 Buffalo Springs
Centennial Marker Text"A
landmark as early as 1849. Watering place for buffalo
hunters. Site of a proposed permanent United States Army post, July, 1867. Abandoned
due to lack of water and timber, November 19, 1867, and Fort Richardson on Lost
Creek was established instead, November 26, 1867. Served as a stage stand and
camp ground between that post and Fort Sill. Scene of battle, July 12, 1874, between
Indians and George W. Stevens, Captain of Texas Rangers." |
1936
Buffalo Springs Centennial Highway Marker
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, September 2009 |
Buffalo
Springs Historical Marker Text"On
line of sentry forts along Red River and far frontiers of North
Texas, 1861-1865. Used at intervals by cavalry, especially at such times as
1864 massing of 3,000 federals to the north, in Indian territory. Soldiers here
saw little of war's glory, had large share of fighting and shortages of guns,
ammunition, food, clothing and horses.
Site of "forting up" of families
wishing to stay, with goods and stock, near frontier homes; lived in picket houses
in fortified square, placing guards on water or wood gathering parties; in 1862
left during water famine." |
Buffalo
Springs Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, September 2009 | |
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