HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded Age

W. B. Anglin

Midland, Midland County, Texas

Marker Inscription

A member, Company B, Frontier Battalion of Texas Rangers. Killed near here while trailing Comanche Indian raiding party on July 1, 1879. He was buried on the spot where he fell. A native of Virginia, member of one of its first families, he joined rangers in 1875 at about age 25. Anglin was last man to be killed by Indians in central west Texas. He was known for his bravery, kindness, good humor and unceasing devotion to duty. Recorded - 1967

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

W.B. Anglin, a Virginia-born member of Company B of the Texas Rangers' Frontier Battalion, joined the force around 1875 at about age 25. On July 1, 1879, he was killed near this spot while trailing a Comanche raiding party and was buried where he fell. Remembered for his bravery and good humor, Anglin is recorded as the last man slain by Indians in central West Texas.

Why it matters

Anglin's death marks the closing of the frontier-conflict era in West Texas, when the Texas Rangers and the Comanche contested the last open range.

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Related people

  • · W. B. Anglin

Themes & tags

Native American HistoryWestward ExpansionFrontier HistoryMemorial

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