Scurry County Historical Commission

Preserving the Past. Promoting the Heritage. Walking Through History.

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Our Mission

The Scurry County Historical Commission is committed to preserve and promote the county’s history and heritage. We believe that by safeguarding our historic landmarks, nurturing our shared stories, and connecting community members—even visitors—to our roots, we build stronger understanding, pride, and continuity across generations.

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Who We Are

The Scurry County Historical Commission is made up of dedicated local volunteers appointed by the Commissioners Court. We work hand-in-hand with our partner nonprofit, Historic Scurry County, Inc., which enables us to own and manage historical properties, since county commissions in Texas cannot, themselves, own property. 

Together, we:

    • restore historical markers throughout Scurry County;
    • actively support preservation efforts of significant structures—including the Scurry County Courthouse;
    • explore and share both local history and the wider heritage of West Texas;

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Discover the Downtown Walking Trail

Welcome! This self-led walking trail features 14 historical markers around the downtown square, each telling a part of Snyder’s and Scurry County’s story. Whether you have 30 minutes or an afternoon, this trail invites you to slow down, look up, and step into the past.

  

1. Home County of J. Wright Mooar

J. Wright Mooar, famed buffalo hunter, made history here in Scurry County. In 1876, he shot a rare albino buffalo, one of only two known in Texas. Mooar and his brother John harvested over 22,000 buffalo, supplying meat and hides to the frontier economy. A master marksman respected even by Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, Mooar later became a successful rancher and businessman. His legacy lives on near the Old Mooar Ranch, just 10 miles northwest of this site.

 

2. County Named for William R. Scurry

Scurry County is named after Confederate General William Read Scurry, a noted figure in the Civil War. He commanded with distinction in battles such as Val Verde, Glorietta Pass, and the Red River Campaign. Scurry played a key role in the recapture of Galveston in 1863 before dying heroically at the Battle of Jenkins Ferry in 1864. The county bears his name in tribute to his leadership and sacrifice during a pivotal era in Texas history.

  

3. Scurry County

Formed in 1876 and organized in 1884, Scurry County is named after Confederate General William R. Scurry. Its founding marked the beginning of structured settlement in this West Texas region. The town of Snyder became the county seat and center of commerce, law, and community development.

  

4. Scurry County Courthouse Site and Building

The original courthouse, built in 1886 from red brick, once stood where a buffalo trail crossed the town square. Surrounded by hitching posts and a community windmill, it was a hub for public life. The present courthouse, completed in 1911, once featured a grand dome which was removed during 1950s renovations. The courthouse square still anchors Snyder’s civic heart.

  

5. Company G

Company G of Scurry County, formed during World War I, was part of the 142nd Infantry in the 36th Division. Reorganized in 1924, it was mobilized again for World War II, serving with distinction across Europe and North Africa. The unit fought in major campaigns including Salerno, Cassino, and southern France, earning a reputation for bravery and resilience. Heavily decorated, Company G symbolizes Snyder’s proud military heritage and the town’s commitment to national service.

  

6. Scurry County’s Canyon Reef Oil Field

In 1948, Scurry County made headlines with the discovery of oil deep in the Canyon Reef Formation. More than 2,000 wells and $300 million investment followed, drawing thousands of workers. The field’s pioneering use of fluid injection and unitization helped double oil recovery and set national standards for petroleum engineering. This discovery transformed the county into a major oil hub, fueling its economy for decades to come.

 

7. County’s First Law Men

Snyder’s earliest days were wild, and keeping order was no small task. W.W. “Uncle” Billy Nelson was elected the first sheriff in 1884 and oversaw the county’s first jail. A tiny 8x10-foot frame structure known as the “Calaboose.” Frustrated by unruly cowboys, he resigned after six months. His successor, T.J. Faught, gained community respect by quelling bar fights with just a pool cue, never carrying a gun. Faught’s legacy lives on in 27th Street, once named in his honor.

  

8. The Press in Snyder

Snyder’s newspaper legacy began with the Scurry County Citizen in the 1880s. Over time, the town saw eight papers and 39 publishers come and go, chronicling everything from cattle drives to oil booms. In 1950, the Snyder Daily News debuted as the town’s first modern daily paper. Through name changes and ownership shifts, the press has remained a vital part of Snyder’s civic life.

  

9. Santa Fe Railway in Scurry County

In 1911, the Santa Fe Railway laid tracks across Scurry County, linking it to wider markets. With depots in Snyder and surrounding towns, the railroad boosted agriculture, commerce, and later the oil industry. C.W. Post’s $50,000 donation helped bring the line through, proving just how vital railroads were to Scurry County’s early prosperity.

  

10. Site of the MacKenzieTrail

Colonel Ranald S. MacKenzie carved this trail through Scurry County during campaigns against Plains tribes in the 1870s. Used by hundreds of troops and supply wagons, it marked a turning point in frontier history. Quanah Parker once outmaneuvered MacKenzie here in 1871, but by 1874, the trail led to his ultimate victory. The trail crossed the original Snyder townsite and helped shape the region’s development.

Quanah Parker Trail

Snyder is on the Quanah Parker Trail (as described below).  There are 86 arrows on this trail located in 52 counties on the Panhandle and the Plains of Texas.  Our arrow here in Snyder is arrow #63.  The monument stone that is located with our arrow reads: "Stories say Quanah Parker camped in Scurry County when he eloped with wife Weckeah to Concho River."  Arrow Sculptor Charles A. Smith.  Snyder is also fortunate to have a statue of Quanah Parker that is located on the campus of Western Texas College.  Our Scurry County courthouse also has several pictures located inside. 

Quanah Parker Trail is a road trip guide compiled for the

Texas Plains Trail Region, a 52-county area that takes in both the Panhandle and the Plains of Texas. Every star on every road trip map represents a place with a real or legendary connection to

the famous chief, the Comanche or other Plains Indians.

 

 

More Ways to Explore & Support

  • Visit Heritage Village, located at 900 East Coliseum Drive, Snyder. It offers a broader immersion into local and West Texas history through preserved historic buildings and interactive exhibits. 

  • Check out the Scurry County Museum, on the campus of Western Texas College. Permanent and rotating exhibits tell the larger story of the region. 

  • Volunteer, donate, or help spread the word. Historic preservation thrives when community members step forward.

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Thank you for joining us on this journey to walk, learn, and remember.

Scurry County Historical Commission
Preserving the past. Promoting the future.