WILBARGER CREEK

Travis County, Texas

by John Troesser

From its source three miles N of Pflugerville, Wilbarger Creek runs SE for forty-two miles to its mouth on the Colorado River near Utley (7 miles N of Bastrop). The creek is named for Josiah Wilbarger who had moved to Texas and was granted land near the mouth of the creek in 1832.

1926 Marker for Josiah Wilbarger placed by his descendants
TE Photo, February 2007

This marker is set alongside the N side of FM 969 and Wilbarger Trace Road, about 1 mile E of Utley and 6 miles west of Bastrop. The story of Josiah's ordeal (being scalped alive) was included in a book published in the 1890s entitled Indian Depredations in Texas. The book was written by Josiah Wilbarger's nephew - also named Josiah who used the initial J. to avoid confusion with his uncle.

Josiah's story is recounted in detail in C.F. Eckhardt's Sara's Dream: Josiah Wilbarger's Ordeal, Scalped Alive on Onion Creek.

FM 969 at Wilbarger Bend Road

Wilbarger Bend Road (Wilbarger Trace)
heading toward the Colorado River

All it needs is a handyman! Price Reduced.
A former residence on Wilbarger Road

River gauge at Utley Bridge , Texas. With bulletholes

The river gauge at the Utley bridge. Note bullet holes
TE photos. February 2007

See also
Sara's Dream: Josiah Wilbarger's Ordeal, Scalped Alive on Onion Creek. by C.F. Eckhardt

Related Topics:
Texas Towns
Texas Ghost Towns
Texas Rivers
People

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