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Medicine Mounds
Medicine Mounds
A few miles east of Quanah, four cone-shaped erosion mounds occupy landscape south of U.S. 287. These mounds, known today as the Medicine Mounds, permit a birds-eye view of the surrounding area for more than sixty miles. The mounds were an ideal campsite for the archaic hunter-gather groups as well as the Plains Indians, who arrived in the late 1700s. Because the mounds had abundant spring water, the site was a favorite camp ground for hunting, that gathering of medicinal plants, and for worship.
A few miles east of Quanah, four cone-shaped erosion mounds occupy landscape south of U.S. 287. These mounds, known today as the Medicine Mounds, permit a birds-eye view of the surrounding area for more than sixty miles. The mounds were an ideal campsite for the archaic hunter-gather groups as well as the Plains Indians, who arrived in the late 1700s. Because the mounds had abundant spring water, the site was a favorite camp ground for hunting, that gathering of medicinal plants, and for worship.
The Comanche Nation considers two of these mounds to be sacred: the tallest mound, Medicine Mound; and the second tallest, Cedar Mound. It was here that Comanche braves came for vision quest – a ritual where the young man isolated himself from him tribe and sought communication with nature and the spirit world. At this point, Comanche and other peoples would gather medicinal plants to maintain their health. Today, Native-Americans continue this practice and return to such sites to gather the necessary plants and herbs, as well as to seek spiritual guidance.
The Comanche Nation considers two of these mounds to be sacred: the tallest mound, Medicine Mound; and the second tallest, Cedar Mound. It was here that Comanche braves came for vision quest – a ritual where the young man isolated himself from him tribe and sought communication with nature and the spirit world. At this point, Comanche and other peoples would gather medicinal plants to maintain their health. Today, Native-Americans continue this practice and return to such sites to gather the necessary plants and herbs, as well as to seek spiritual guidance.
In what was once the great buffalo – and therefore Comanche and Kiowa – range between Pease River and the Red River in Hardeman County, stand a line of four rounded hills called Medicine Mounds. They are extraordinarily conspicuous, the cones rising about 350 feet above the surrounding plain. Flanking them to the west is the gully-washed scar of an ancient buffalo trail. Round about are yet to be picked up Indian arrowheads of flint. The gypsum waters of a spring at the base of one mound drunk by sick Indians as a psychic. To the mounds pertains a legend common in the county.
In what was once the great buffalo – and therefore Comanche and Kiowa – range between Pease River and the Red River in Hardeman County, stand a line of four rounded hills called Medicine Mounds. They are extraordinarily conspicuous, the cones rising about 350 feet above the surrounding plain. Flanking them to the west is the gully-washed scar of an ancient buffalo trail. Round about are yet to be picked up Indian arrowheads of flint. The gypsum waters of a spring at the base of one mound drunk by sick Indians as a psychic. To the mounds pertains a legend common in the county.
On top of the highest of the four is the flat cap-rock, a protector against erosion. It was, the Indians believed, the dwelling place of a powerful land benevolent spirit. Here the spirit could view the country for miles and miles on all sides, and from this lofty point of vantage, he was wont to direct the arrows of hunters to the vitals of buffaloes and to deflect those of enemies shot at his wards, the Comanches.
On top of the highest of the four is the flat cap-rock, a protector against erosion. It was, the Indians believed, the dwelling place of a powerful land benevolent spirit. Here the spirit could view the country for miles and miles on all sides, and from this lofty point of vantage, he was wont to direct the arrows of hunters to the vitals of buffaloes and to deflect those of enemies shot at his wards, the Comanches.
- J. Frank Dobie, "Stories in Texas Place Names," Straight Texas, pp. 32
- J. Frank Dobie, "Stories in Texas Place Names," Straight Texas, pp. 32
Quanah Acme and Pacific Railroad Depot
Quanah Acme and Pacific Railroad Depot
This two-story structure, built on Mercer Street in 1908, is among Texas’ most beautiful historical depots. The exterior is stucco, Spanish style with red Ludowici Seville tile roof. It is told that Quanah Parker claimed the Quanah, Acme & Pacific as his railroad.
Pioneer, Railroad, Lane Frost and Quanah Parker items can be found on the bottom floor. Upstairs exhibits are Veterans Rooms, Quanah Cotton Oil Mill, Schools, Chillicothe, Masonic Lodge, the Space Room furnished by NASA and the Smithsonian Institute, and several others. The West Texas Utilities room and E.S.A. Sorority Rooms have been completed this year. The Q.A.&P. Museum, which is an extension of the Hardeman County Jail Museum, is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
You may call (940) 663-5272 or (940) 839-8066 for more information.
105 Green St.
Quanah, TX 79252
Hardeman County Historical Jail Museum
Hardeman County Historical Jail Museum
The Historical marker located at 105 Green Street is the Hardeman County Historical Jail Museum. Built of native stone in 1890, the upper story houses the original jail intact. The sheriff and his family lived downstairs.
Hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
You may call (940) 663-5272 or (940) 839-8066 for more information.
105 Green St.
Quanah, TX 79252
Explore Quanah’s museums, railroad history, and nearby landmarks. Use the information below to plan your visit, and confirm current opening hours with each destination before you travel.
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