Search

Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Back to Texas Lakes Trail Region
Chambers/Visitors Bureaus:
Bridgeport | Decatur
Wise County Map
Uncommemorated Sites from North to South
Keep Ranch Fight | Big Raid Through Wise, Denton and Montague Counties | Murder of Mrs. Huff and Her Daughters | Capture of James and William Ball | Indians Attack the Russell Ranch | Johnson Miller | Babb Family | Killing of Long and Wounding of Others | Capture of Bud Davis | Miss Sallie Bowman | Press (Milt) Perkins | Indian Raid Near the Present Town of Rhome | John Montgomery
Uncommemorated and Unmapped Sites
James Morrow's Brother
Historical Markers
Museums

Those taking 114 west from D/FW Airport can continue on 114 to Bridgeport but the recommended route through Decatur offers several exciting sites including the Waggoner Mansion (El Castile) and a stunning pink granite court house surrounded by a nice selection of restaurants and antique shops.

Wise County Court House Picture
Wise County Court House
Waggoner Mansion Picture
Waggoner Mansion

Any combination of the other routes can be followed beyond Jacksboro but the shortest and most beautiful drive, though it misses Fort Belknap and surrounding battle sites, is to simply drop down Hwy. 4 all the way to I-20 and return to Weatherford exiting 51 North where within a quarter mile just to the east is Holland Lake Park that contains the Double Log Cabin. The cabin bears scars received in an Indian attack and in contrast to the Waggoner Mansion, half of this humble cabin served as Dan Waggoner's original ranch headquarters.

Double Log Cabin Picture
Double Log Cabin Monument
Double Log Cabin Picture
View of Inside of Double Log Cabin

Follow 51 north to reconnect with 114 back to D/FW. About halfway there is Carter road to the west. Approximately 3/4 of a mile is an old grape arbor gazebo surrounded by four or five monuments and tombstones. One is for Joe Hemphill, the last pioneer killed by Indians.

Join the discussion

Further reading

Recent Comments