E.M. Hardigree Home
Colorado City, Mitchell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built 1890 by H.D. Shepperd. Sold, 1899 to Martin Dies, Sr. Birthplace of Martin Dies, Jr., famous U.S. Congressman. Home of colorful early-day ranch couple, G.W. and Alice Garrett Plaster, Mitchell County ranchers for over fifty years. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1890 in the young ranching town of Colorado City, this West Texas home later became the birthplace of Martin Dies Jr., the influential congressman who chaired an early House committee investigating un-American activities. It was also home to the colorful ranching couple G. W. and Alice Garrett Plaster, Mitchell County stockraisers for more than half a century. The house links pioneer ranch life to national politics.
Why it matters
It shows how the open-range ranching country of West Texas produced not only cattle fortunes but figures who would shape American political life on the national stage.
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Related people
- · Martin Dies, Jr.
- · G. W. Plaster
- · Alice Garrett Plaster
Themes & tags
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