HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

J. E. Millhollon Ranch House

Stanton, Martin County, Texas

Marker Inscription

About 1900, J. E. and Nettie (Bell) Millhollon trailed their cattle from Glasscock to Martin County, acquiring this homesite and 34 sections of land. Business and church leaders in Stanton, the couple had this house erected in 1907 by N. H. Hunt of Big Spring, who built many structures along the Texas & Pacific Railroad. The restoration, begun 1970 by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Wright, who bought the property in 1974. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1974

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Around 1900, J. E. and Nettie Millhollon trailed their cattle from Glasscock County into Martin County, claiming this homesite and thirty-four sections of West Texas rangeland. Business and church leaders in nearby Stanton, the couple had this house built in 1907 by N. H. Hunt of Big Spring, a prolific builder along the Texas & Pacific Railroad. Later owners restored the property beginning in 1970.

Why it matters

The ranch house embodies the great open-range cattle operations that defined the settlement and economy of the West Texas plains at the turn of the twentieth century.

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Related people

  • · J. E. Millhollon
  • · Nettie Bell Millhollon

Themes & tags

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