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The
Gunfight
While county-seat
disputes were common in Texas, rarely
did they result in fatal gunplay. This was the case however, in the
dispute between rivals Dimmitt
and Castro City back in 1891. Developer Ira Aten
and Andy McClelland got into it on the courthouse
lawn and a plaque commemorates the event today. |
Historical Marker:
SHOOT-OUT ON
JONES STREET
At an 1891 meeting
to discuss the selection of a Castro
County seat, words were exchanged between Ira Aten, a retired
Texas Ranger speaking on behalf of Castro City, and Andrew McClelland,
a spokesman for Dimmitt. The inflammatory
remarks led to a gunfight between the two men on December 23, five
days after Dimmitt was chosen county
seat. In an exchange of shots in the middle of Jones Street, Aten
wounded Andrew McClelland and his brother Hugh. Aten was acquitted
of the assault charges and a short time later was appointed Castro
County sheriff. |
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Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and vintage or recent photos, please contact
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