James Tracy Morehead
Grapevine, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Virginia native James Tracy Morehead came to Texas with his family in 1852, settling in newly organized Tarrant County. Two years later, he was chosen to serve as the County's third Chief Justice. He is credited with naming the town of Grapevine, originally known as Dunnville. His suggested name came from the Grape Vine Springs, a pioneer landmark located east of the settlement. Although he served only one term as Chief Justice, Judge Morehead remained active in government. In 1858 he presided over the elections that organized neighboring Parker County. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Virginia-born James Tracy Morehead brought his family to the raw frontier of newly organized Tarrant County in 1852 and within two years was chosen its third Chief Justice. He is remembered for renaming the settlement of Dunnville "Grapevine" after the nearby Grape Vine Springs, and in 1858 he oversaw the elections that organized neighboring Parker County. His career traces the machinery of local government taking shape on the North Texas frontier.
Why it matters
Morehead's life shows how ordinary settlers built the civic institutions—courts, counties, and towns—that turned frontier Texas into a governed society.
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Themes & tags
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