Details for Picketville

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5429004012

Data

Marker Number 4012
Atlas Number 5429004012
Marker Title Picketville
Index Entry Picketville
Address US 183
City Breckenridge
County Stephens
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 509126
UTM Northing 3626430
Subject Codes forts; ghost towns; cemetery
Marker Year 1975
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location US 183, east side, north of CR 257
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text (0.5 mi. E) One of Stephens County's first white settlements, Picketville was founded before the Civil War (1861-65) on Gunsolus Creek. Without military defense during the war, families "forted up" here for protection against hostile Indian attacks. The name probably came from picket construction in which tree limbs were placed on end and chinked with mud. Picketville served as the county seat until Breckenridge was settled in 1876. Then the town began to decline, leaving only a cemetery. After many graves were accidentally destroyed, Boy Scout troops restored and fenced the site. (1975)

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