Captain G. W. Arrington
Mobeetie, Wheeler County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1844-1923) Great peace officer of era of early settlement in Texas Panhandle. (During his term in office, lived near this site.) Born in Greensboro, Alabama. During the Civil War, 1861-1865, was one of most daring scouts in famous guerrilla command of Col. John S. Mosby, in Virginia. After war, ventured to Mexico and Central America. Settled in Texas in 1867. In Texas Rangers, 1875-1882, he had an outstanding record in Southwest Texas and Panhandle. With courage and distinction, served 1882-1890 as sheriff of Wheeler and 14 attached counties. (1969)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
George Washington Arrington (1844–1923) was one of the daring scouts in Colonel John S. Mosby's Confederate guerrilla command during the Civil War before drifting through Mexico and Central America and settling in Texas in 1867. He earned an outstanding record as a Texas Ranger from 1875 to 1882, then served as sheriff of Wheeler and fourteen attached counties, bringing law to the raw early settlements of the Panhandle. His life traces the arc from wartime irregular to the archetypal frontier peace officer.
Why it matters
Arrington represents the lawmen who imposed order on the last Texas frontier, making organized settlement possible in a region only recently opened to it.
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Related people
- · G. W. Arrington
- · John S. Mosby
Themes & tags
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