the importance of art on the texas forts trail

Importance of Art on the Trail

By Ani Simerson

Thurber, Texas

• Postcards• Insert vine of postcards

Palo Pinto, Texas

• Palo Pinto’s name originated from “Painted poles”

• Indians would used painted poles as markers for towns and miles

• Poles became the earliest signs for the settlers and Indians

• The Poles are colorful and full of life; making them easier to see them on the trials and through out this portion of Texas

Palo Pinto Painted Poles

Mineral Wells, Texas• Mineral Wells is home to a

welcome sign that was created then inspired a more famous one, the Hollywood sign!

• The Mineral Wells sign went through decades of no care, no maintance and originally had light bulbs that need regular changing.

• After years and years of weathering and no care, the sign was moved to the Bald mountain and 50 volunteers helped clean up, fix, and make sure their beloved sign was restored

• Now the sign is a proud member of Mineral Wells where it sits and over looks the entire city.

Graham, Texas

• Wildcatter is home to a painting done of a buffalo solider that is walking through an Indian camp

• Buffalo Solider is an African American Solider that would fight in their own units of other buffalo soldiers.

• The art piece proudly hangs in the dining hall of The Wildcatter Ranch where it is seen by all.

Fort BelknapNewcastle, Texas

Albany, Texas• “Tex the Roustabout” by Joe Barrington

• The sculpture is made of steel

Eastland, Texas