Old Gray Mare Band
Brownwood, Brown County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The 142nd Infantry Band of the 36th division of the U. S. Army began during the first World War. Band leader R. Wright Armstrong reformed the group in Brownwood in Nov. 1921. They played at such notable events as American Legion Conventions in New Orleans and San Francisco and the 1923 inauguration of Gov. Pat Neff, who proclaimed them the official band of Texas. The band marched behind an actual mare and rider into hotels, state capitol buildings and democratic party national conventions in Houston (1928) and Chicago (1932). Wearing distinctive red silk shirts, yellow bandanas, patent leather boots and sombreros, the Old Gray Mare Band spread the spirit of Texas across the state and nation. 175 Years of Texas Independence * 1836 - 2011
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born as the 142nd Infantry Band of the 36th Division during World War I, this ensemble was reorganized in Brownwood in 1921 and soon became a Texas institution. Marching behind a live gray mare and decked in red silk shirts, bandanas, and sombreros, the musicians played inaugurations, American Legion conventions, and national political gatherings. A governor proclaimed them the official band of Texas as they carried the state's swagger across the country.
Why it matters
The band turned Texas showmanship into a traveling emblem of state pride in the booming decades between the world wars.
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Related people
- · R. Wright Armstrong
- · Gov. Pat Neff
Related events
- · World War I
- · 1923 gubernatorial inauguration
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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