Report of S. W. Howell, President of S.W. Howell Engineering, Inc.,of Ector County
Historical Markers visited in April, 1996.
EMIGRANT TRAIL MARKER
Go north from Ector County Court House on US Highway 385 (Andrews Highway) 4.6 miles to Yukon Road. Exit main lanes US 385, enter east service road at Yukon Road. Proceed north 1/10 mile on east service road along the west boundary line of Schlemeyer Field (Ector County airport) to marker on east side of service road. Marker is cast metal, pole mounted and in good condition, well maintained by Texas Department of Transportation. Highway Road signs "Historical marker 1 mile", both north and south of the site.
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BARROW RANCH HOUSE MARKER
Go north from Ector County Court House on US Highway 385 (Andrews Highway) 7.6 miles to intersection with States Highway 1882. Exit US 385 west onto Highway 1882 at 1/10 mile, exit Highway 1882 to dirt road straight ahead, proceed 1/2 mile to 90 bend in the road to the north, proceed 1/10 mile to ranch house. Marker is mounted on the front (south) wall of the east of 2 houses (private residences). The marker is to the left of the front door. Marker is metal and in excellent condition.
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BAKER RANCH SCHOOL AND LEGRANDE SURVEY MARKER
Go north from Ector County Court House on US Highway 385 (Andrews Highway) 12.5 miles. Approximately 1/4 mile before reaching the Highway 158 intersection exit Highway 385 main lanes onto east side service road, proceed north on service road to marker on east side of service road, Both marker is metal and pole mounted, also are in good shape, well maintained by Texas Department of Transportation. Highway signs "Historical marker 1 mile" both north and south on US 385 of the site.
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NORTH COWDEN
Marker not found. A future interview of some of the Amoco employees in North Cowden Plat or field office might lead to its past location.
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GOLDSMITH MARKER
In Goldsmith, Texas, proceed west on Highway 158 (Gulf Street) to Hendrickson Street, turn north on Hendrickson approximately 100 feet on east side of street. Marker on post at southwest corner of Goldsmith City Hall. Marker is metal and pole mounted, also in good condition.
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NOTREES MARKER
Go north from Ector County Court House on US Highway 385 to "Y" intersection of State Road 450 (Kermit Highway). Take left on Highway 450, proceed northwest on Highway 450 (Kermit Highway) changing to State Highway 302, proceed 25 miles to Notrees, Texas. On north side of State Highway 302 approximately 100 yards west of the Notrees Post Office on south side. Marker is metal and pole mounted, also in good condition. Well maintained by Texas Department of Transportation. Highway signs "Historical marker 1 mile", east of site.
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CAPTAIN MARCEY TRAIL MARKER BY BOY SCOUTS
Go north from Ector County Court House on US Highway 385 to "Y" intersection of State Road 450 (Kermit Highway). Take left on Highway 450, proceed northwest on Highway 450 (Kermit Highway) changing to State Highway 302, proceed 19 miles. Marker is on the southwest side of Highway 302. Large wooden engraved sign 3' x 3'. Marker indicates crossing of Captain Marcey's trail in 1849. Marker in good condition.
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O'NEAL HOME
The O'Neal house at southwest corner of 5th and Adams Street in Odessa has been sold and is ready for demolition or moving. The historical marker has been removed and is the possession of Mr. Bryan Henderson (a grandson or great-grandson of the O'Neals). Bryan reports the marker will be reinstalled at the site when a new structure is constructed, reportedly to be a doctors office.
OLD COUNTY JAIL AT GOLDSMITH, TEXAS
[Jail is located in central-eastern part of the town site. Lots of space around the building so easy to find if you care to visit.]
No marker. Article in May 4, 1998 Odessa American mentions the building.
Courtesy, Howell Engineering, Odessa, TX.