From Murder Scene to Picnic Spot

Was this really the spot? Families picnicked, children squealed in delight as they chased each other around the playground and a baseball field begged for boys to come play. Initially one would never suspect this to be the site of the double cabin where George W. McCleskey was murdered.

Park where the Double Cabin stands

Intrigued by the story told earlier on this blog about the shoot out at the double cabin, a cousin decided on the way to a family reunion recently to take a little detour to Holland Lake in Weatherford, Texas to see the cabins for himself. Claude Chambers took pictures and generously shared them with me. The historical marker confirmed that he had the right place.

The marker reads:

THE DOUBLE LOG CABIN

At Holland’s Lake * A monument to the pioneers of Parker County * The east room with bullet scarred walls shows where George McCleskey was killed by Indians in 1873 * The west room was Dan Waggoner’s Headquarters Ranch House built in 1855 * Adopted meeting place for old settlers reunions

Orange arrows indicate where most of the
bullet holes can be seen

The cabins are well preserved and easily accessible. Claude and his wife were pleasantly surprised to find that they could view the John Bumgarner’s cabin up close. The bullet holes still remain in the cabin. As can be seen above, the cabin includes a “dogtrot.” Dogtrots, which are primarily seen in the South, provide a breezeway which allowed ventilation. Naturally it was generally the coolest spot in the house and I am sure was a real bonus in the blistering Texas heat.

Close up of the cabin’s east wall

Although the cabin was moved several years ago, it was carefully reassembled to preserve the history of the cabin. Originally built in an isolated area near Holland Lake in the late 1860’s, today the cabin’s surroundings stand in sharp contrast to their original location. Although the marker indicates that George McCleskey was killed in a shootout outside the cabin in July of 1873, as people stop and read the marker, peer into the windows and maybe even stick their fingers into the bullet holes, I imagine very few know the full story or comprehend the impact that event had on the wife and children who were left behind.

Thank you cousin Claude for taking time to visit the double cabin and for sharing with me your visit to this piece of family history!

Please follow and like us:

6 thoughts on “From Murder Scene to Picnic Spot”

I had not read the story of the shoot out the first time, so I went back to read it. I can picture the horror of that day. And yet now the scene at the park is so lush and peaceful. Probably for most visitors the house is simply a minor attraction, a representation of how people lived in the past, an example of architecture. (By the way, I love the rustic posts with the built-in hat and coat racks!) But for you and cousin Claude, it is a memorial.

Amazing that the cabin still stands (although moved to a nearby location). A real testament to those who cared enough to preserve this landmark from local history. I'm grateful for people and groups who consider that part of their personal mission.

Michelle,

I want to let you know that your blog post is listed in today’s Fab Finds post at http://janasgenealogyandfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2014/07/follow-friday-fab-finds-for-july-25-2014.html

Have a wonderful weekend!

You are so right Wendy and it makes me wonder how much I have missed on some of the historic sites I have visited. But it also makes me want to visit more historic sites!

Thank you so much Jana! I feel honored to be included. I love to read your Fab Finds and see what I may have missed from other bloggers.

I do too Jacqi. I've enjoyed historical sites since I was little, but that appreciation has definitely increased as I have gotten into family history and benefitted from the efforts of others.

6 thoughts on “From Murder Scene to Picnic Spot”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply