1-833-933-4TFD
Callahan County, located in the heart of Texas, is rich in history and boasts many interesting facts that make it unique. Here are 7 of the most interesting facts about Callahan County in Texas history:
1. Named after a Confederate Governor
Callahan County was named after James P. Callahan, who was a confederate soldier, a lawyer, and a governor of the territory of Arizona. Callahan served as the 11th governor of Arizona from 1883 to 1885.
2. Home to the Earliest Texan in Space
Callahan County is the birthplace of the earliest Texan to travel into space, Charles Duke. Duke, an astronaut who was born and raised in Callahan County, was the 10th person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 16 mission.
3. Site of a World War II POW Camp
During World War II, Callahan County was the site of a Prisoner of War camp. German prisoners were held at the camp, which has since been converted to a fish hatchery.
4. Birthplace of Renowned Cowboy Painter
One of the most celebrated western artists of the 20th century, Tom Lea, was born in Callahan County. Lea, who lived from 1907 to 2001, was well known for his paintings of cowboys, illustrations for LIFE magazine, and murals.
5. Site of the Deadly Texas Tower Shooting in 1966
One of the deadliest mass shootings in US history took place at the University of Texas at Austin in 1966, but the gunman was from Callahan County. Charles Whitman, a former Marine from Lake Worth in Callahan County, climbed to the top of the UT Tower and opened fire, killing 16 people and injuring dozens more before he was killed by police.
6. Home to the Oldest Continuous County Fair in Texas
The Callahan County Fair is the oldest continuous county fair in Texas, dating back over 100 years. The fair is held annually in September and features a rodeo, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment.
7. Site of one of the Largest Meteorite Strikes in Texas
In 1909, a meteorite struck Callahan County near the city of Cross Plains. The impact was so powerful that it created a crater that was 300 feet wide and 40 feet deep. Today, the site of the impact is marked by a historical marker on Highway 36.
Callahan County has a rich and diverse history that makes it a fascinating place to explore and visit. From space travel to western art, the county is filled with interesting facts and stories that have helped shape Texas history.
← Older Post Newer Post →