Tennyson
Tennyson, Coke County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In area roamed by Indians for centuries. Tamed by open-range cattlemen in the late 1870's. Permanent settlement began in 1880's. A post office, named for British poet Alfred Tennyson, was established in 1894 with Mrs. Sarah E. Kiser as the first postmaster. Seven persons have held that office to date (1970). Over years, area has had several schools, but all are now closed. Near Mt. Margaret (height 335 feet), once locale of Indian activities, is now site of annual community homecoming (the Saturday before Labor Day) and Easter sunrise religious services each spring. (1971)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The rolling country around Mt. Margaret in Coke County was long ranged by Native peoples before open-range cattlemen moved in during the late 1870s. Permanent settlers followed in the 1880s, and in 1894 a post office opened under the unlikely name of the British poet Alfred Tennyson, with Sarah E. Kiser as its first postmaster. Schools came and went, but the community's ties endured through an annual homecoming and Easter sunrise services held near the old landmark hill.
Why it matters
Tennyson captures the swift transition of the West Texas frontier from Indigenous ground to cattle range to settled community within a single generation.
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Related people
- · Sarah E. Kiser
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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