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Photographer's
Note: "Really enjoyed Doan's Crossing. This may not be Sugar
but may be an offspring. Too friendly. They asked me to stay but I
just couldn't. Don't think they understood."
- Barclay
Gibson, February, 2007 |
Getting
There
From US 283, take FM 2916 east about 3 miles to Doan's Crossing
History in a Pecan Shell
Vernon's 19th Century history is closely bound to the Red River
crossing some 15 miles north. Corwin Doan operated a store
at this point and supplied cowboys with all they needed to survive
the trip. This is where an estimated six million Longhorn
cattle crossed on their way to the railheads in Dodge City, Kansas.
The fencing of the west and the invention of barbed
wire put an end to the cattle
drives that brought Texas back
from the economic collapse brought upon by the Civil War.
There is a large granite
marker that includes many of the brands of the most famous ranches
in Texas.
Beside the marker, there is the adobe
structure that was originally the store, and little else.
You cannot see the river from this point, since the crossing proper
is on private property. |
Historical
Marker:
DOAN'S CROSSING
A major route for
cattle
drives known primarily as the Western Trail developed from far
South Texas to Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s. About 1876, trail
drivers along the route began crossing the Red River near this site.
In 1878, Ohio native Jonathan Doan established a trading post near
the crossing and became the first person to permanently settle in
Wilbarger County
(organized in 1881). In the early 1880s he and his partner/nephew
Corwin F. Doan recorded the passage of hundreds of thousands of cattle
along this river crossing which became known as Doan's Crossing. |
THE DOANS'
ADOBE BUILDING
Recorded Texas
Historic Landmark - 1962 |
Adobe structure
in Doan's Crossing circa 1881
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February, 2007 |
Historical
Marker:
THE DOANS' ADOBE BUILDING
Corwin F. Doan (1848-1929) settled here on Red River in 1878; erected
this house in 1881. In his early picket store and later, permanent
building, he had large stocks of goods to supply the cowboys who annually
drove cattle in herds of thousands along the Western Trail. The village
of "Doan's Crossing" had 14 or more buildings. Doan, his wife Lide
(1850-1905), and their 3 children entertained people from all walks
of life -- English Lords to Indians -- in this adobe house.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark--1962 |
Doans' Adobe
Building Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February, 2007 |
Centennial
Marker:
DOAN'S CROSSING
ON RED RIVER
By herds on the
Western Texas-Kansas Trail, 1876-1895, six million cattle and horses
crossed here. "You don't need much monument if the cause is good.
It's only these monuments that are for no reason at all that has to
be big. Good luck to you all anyhow.
Yours,
Will Rogers."
Dedicated to George W. Saunders, President of the Old Trail Driver's
Association, "Who kept the trail records straight." |
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Doan's
Crossing's welcoming canine
TE photo, 2000 |
| Doan's Crossing
is policed 7 days a week by an intelligent and curious canine that
ignored our request for his name. We assume he is counting the days
until the picnic. This year's (2000) picnic will occur on Saturday
May the 6th. |
Doan's Crossing
Forum
The Friendliest Red River Dog
& Beaumont, the Wild Boar
The "curious
canine" shown on the Fargo-Doan's Crossing page is named "Sugar"
-- an apt name for a very sweet-natured pooch. We live across the
street from the Doans marker and adobe. Thanks for putting her picture
on the net. - Tom Neely, August 13, 2001
I loved Tuffy's
story, and you're a wise man to prefer to write about the animals
you meet rather than the people.
Since quite a few folk drop by here at Doans there are also a few
animals kicked out out here, and using the secret sense they have
that points unerringly to suckers, they come to our door. All that
we allow them is a bowl with their new name on it, veterinary care
for life, and all that they can eat -- forever. Sugar was
a refugee and she now has her own couch in the garage.
Next time you are here walk out south of my house and take a look
at Beaumont, the 550 lb. wild boar who used to live
in our house when he was little. He also was a refugee. The total
count, porcine, canine and feline is about 15, and we love them
all. Most are behind a fence, but Sugar is an exception.
... - Tom Neely, August 14, 2001
Beaumont,
the wild boar, was orphaned during an early freeze on a ranch
near Matador. A "friend" brought him to me when he was about ten
inches long. For a time he lived in the house, and he very quickly
imprinted on me. He would stand up by my recliner and squeal until
I picked him up and put him in my lap.
After having a veterinarian neuter him, we put him outside and for
years he never left the yard, but when he started excavating the
neighbor's yard he had to go into a pen.
He now weighs about 550 pounds and excavates horseshoes, pieces
of trace chain, and other metal implements, which lead me to believe
that his pen overlies an old blacksmith shop in greater Doans.
In his younger days he would furtively approach one of our cats
from behind, and using his snoot, flip the cat into the air. A surprise
for the kitty, and great fun for Beaumont. They quickly learned
to keep an eye on Bomey. He has been a joy and a delightful pet.
Many inquisitive visitors to Doans did double takes when they came
onto our porch and found Beaumont at one end, lying in the shade.
"Did you know there is a pig on your front porch ?", they would
ask incredulously. I would reply, "Why, no", and hold the door for
him to come in, which he always did.
He gets a twinkie-like cake with his food every day. Now in his
golden years, he rests for a good portion of these summer days in
his custom mud puddle. - Tom Neely, August 17, 2001
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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 recent or vintage photos, please contact
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