Johns' Well and Campgrounds
Argyle, Denton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1884 this site was designated as a religious campground by the members of the Prairie Mound Methodist Church. Johns' well, named for former owner Hardin Johns, provided the steady water supply needed by campers, area settlers and travelers. During annual ten-day camp meetings, families camped around the brush arbor where services were held. As nearby communities erected church buildings the campgrounds began to decline and the land was sold in 1913. John's well continued to serve the area residents until 1963. (1982)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1884 members of the Prairie Mound Methodist Church set aside this ground as a religious campground, its brush arbor sheltering worship during ten-day summer camp meetings. A dependable well—named for former owner Hardin Johns—drew not only campers but settlers and travelers passing through. As nearby communities built their own churches the meetings faded, and the land was sold in 1913, though the well served neighbors until 1963.
Why it matters
It preserves the frontier camp-meeting tradition, when far-flung families gathered for days of worship and fellowship on the open prairie.
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Related people
- · Hardin Johns
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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