Attractions
Traces of the Wild and Rough Frontier — The Southward-Magee Cemetery
By Jessica Crabtree
Prior to the Civil War, the late 1850s were filled with pioneers leaving their home states, headed west on the trail to settle in the land of opportunity. Settlers from Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri and elsewhere forged the trail with their families and others in tow. What was ahead was rough trail, bad weather and the frontier, a line not defined, but specifically to Texas, known for its hostility.
North Texas was home to Native Americans such as the Kiowa, Apache, Wichita and Comanche. While history will teach you the frontier was violent, the pioneers were a different kind: survivors. Although, many didn’t survive, falling to the hand of burglars, disease, adversity along the trail, or raids. All that is left of the time are the cemeteries and tales passed through the generations. Recovered remnants are a rarity and considered remarkable.
While some cemeteries are marked and documented, others are abandoned or unknown. Out of the good nature of those who love history and want to preserve it for further generations, some choose to maintain even the smallest of areas where these pioneers came to rest.
With 115 identified cemeteries in Montague County, The Montague County Historical Commission has overseen such efforts in the cemetery known as the Southward-Magee near present day Alvord off Lanier Road. Presently the cemetery has 18 marked and identified graves.
After restoration of the burial grounds started, through the method of witching, more than 200 graves were found. MCHC secretary Margie Hess explained the lost and or unmarked graves were found through witching due to the fact that minerals from the remains were emitted into the soil, and the soil disturbance can be detected through witching, a method where two copper roads are held by hand and typically used to identify water once the rods cross.
To read more pick up a copy of the July 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
The Ben Steadham family, son of John Edward Steadham. (Courtesy photo)
The infamous Kiowa Chief Satanta, responsible for countless deaths across the plains is who Larry McMurtry modeled his character “Blue Duck” after in the highly acclaimed book and film “Lonesome Dove.” (Courtesy photo)
On The Road With Dave Alexander
Rarely will you find an event center that includes a music venue, a steakhouse and a wildlife refuge all rolled into one.
Oak Meadow Ranch has been welcoming guests for over two decades with one thing in mind, your complete happy experience.
The Chef Dinner and Exotic Animal Experience includes a four-course meal followed by a hands-on experience with exotic animals.
You can catch up with Dave at the Birthplace of Western Swing Festival in Fort Worth, Texas on November 7, or at the Irving Symphony Orchestra in Irving, Texas on November 9. To read more about his experience at Oak Meadow Ranch, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print.
To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Lindsey Monk
On Aug. 22, 2024 at 11:40 p.m., the Remington fire jumped the line in Wyoming to burn towards Montana at a high rate of speed. The fire burned 194,459 acres and over 41 miles from one end to the other in a span of two days. Livestock producers will be feeling the effects for years to come.
Pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Hannah Claxton | Editor
The GO TEXAN program is a Texas Department of Agriculture initiative dedicated to showcasing and supporting Texas based busi- nesses. During the State Fair of Texas, held in Dallas each year, the program puts together the GO TEXAN pavilion. Within the pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers, visitors have the opportunity to sample and shop Texas-based products, learn more about agriculture and participate in family-friendly activities.
In 2023, more than $1 million in revenue was generated across nearly 67,000 products sold. Businesses with products produced or processed in Texas are invited to apply to join the program, and can visit http:// www.gotexan.org/JOIN to apply.
When visiting the State Fair of Texas, make sure to visit the GO TEXAN pavilion to support businesses driving agricultural commerce and explore Texas agricultural commodities outside of North Texas.
The State Fair of Texas is held each year in the fall, and is considered to be the first of the “majors” shows for many students involved in showing livestock. Cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and even llamas all have a class to enter at the fair.
For those not showing livestock, over a hundred creative arts classes are available to enter. Canned goods, photography, quilts, paintings, and butter sculptures are all displayed throughout the fair’s duration. Another contest judges a variety of antique collections and keeps them on display throughout the duration of the fair.
It’s not the State Fair of Texas without world-renowned food. The Big Tex Choice Awards contest has solidified the State Fair of Texas as the top Fair for great food creations. Each year, State Fair concessionaires fry up tasty and unique foods for a chance to become a finalist in the annual Big Tex Choice Awards competition.
The 2024 Finalists in the Savory category are: Dominican Fritura Dog (by Justin Martinez), The Drowning Taquitos (by Tony & Terry Bednar), Hippie Chips (by Rose and Tom Deschenes), Hot Chick-In- Pancake Poppers (by Palmer and Amanda Fortune), Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs (by Nick and Vera Burt).
In the Sweet category, the 2024 Finalists are: Nevins Nutty Bar- Laska (by Tami Nevins Mayes & Josie Mayes), Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon On A Stick (by Isaac Rousso), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Beignettfle (by Justin Martinez), Texas Sugar Rush Pickles (by Heather Perkins), and Tropical Two-Step Punch (by Binh Tran).
Livestock & contests schedule of events is available in the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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