Mule Creek Cemetery
Tennyson vicinity, Coke County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established by pioneers of Mule Creek community, a small frontier settlement founded in 19th century. Said to be named either for (1) an early horse and mule ranch, or (2) a stagecoach mule that died at a creek which runs nearby. The Abilene-Fort Concho stage once served area. For years principal building in here was a combination school church, since 20th century, shift to urban living has diminished population of Mule Creek. Inscriptions of tombstones chronicle history of community. In spring, grounds are covered with bluebonnets, state flower. (1971)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Set on the rolling frontier of Coke County, Mule Creek grew up around a small settlement whose very name is the stuff of tall tales—recalled either as an early horse-and-mule ranch or a stagecoach mule that died at the nearby creek. The Abilene-to-Fort Concho stage once rolled through, and for years a combination school-and-church served as the community's heart. As West Texans drifted toward town life in the twentieth century, the settlement thinned, leaving its cemetery—blanketed each spring with bluebonnets—to tell the story.
Why it matters
Places like Mule Creek chart the rise and quiet fading of the small ranching settlements that once stitched the West Texas frontier together.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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