August Fransal
Sierra Blanca, Hudspeth County, Texas
Marker Inscription
One of the many fearless stage drivers who traveled on the Ben Ficklin Overland Mail Line from San Antonio to El Paso. On this dangerous route, threatened by wild Apaches, Fransal regularly drove his mule-drawn stage. He served as a Texas Ranger 1881-1882 and in 1883 under Capt. George W. Baylor. He was also a teamster at Fort Davis. Later he was a hunter, selling fresh game (a welcome substitute for dried, cured meat) in El Paso.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
August Fransal was one of the daring stage drivers who carried the mail across the perilous Ben Ficklin Overland line between San Antonio and El Paso, guiding his mule-drawn coach through country contested by Apache raiders. He served as a Texas Ranger in the early 1880s under Captain George W. Baylor and worked as a teamster at Fort Davis, later making his living as a hunter who sold fresh game in El Paso.
Why it matters
Fransal's rough-and-ready career captures the dangers and improvisation of the far West Texas frontier in the closing years of the Indian Wars.
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Related people
- · August Fransal
- · George W. Baylor
Themes & tags
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