Barnett-Hamrick Settlement, 1855-1895

Simpson Creek, which gave the settlement its first name, rises five miles south of San Saba and runs north for twelve miles to the San Saba River, through live oak, mesquite, Ashe juniper and grasses. It may be named for Thomas Simpson, an early landowner, or for John Simpson, chain carrier to William S. Wallace, the Bexar District surveyor who may have named it on May 7, 1846. The land had a tangled title history: Spanish league grants along the San Saba, the overlapping Austin and Beall grants, and the Fisher-Miller surveys, from which most later county deeds came.

What the plaque says

Barnett-Hamrick Settlement, 1855-1895 John W. Barnett and family with sons-in-law, Burrell L. and Tom P. L. Hamrick settled large tract of land here. Founded community of Simpson Creek. Were first in area to farm as well to irrigate crops. Were active in local commerce. Helped organize county. First camp meeting and one of first schools were held here. (1969)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Colorado Bend State Park — 15 mi
  Old ranch country on the Colorado above Lake Buchanan, where a spring-fed creek drops 70 feet over fern-covered travertine at Gorman Falls.

More markers nearby

• San Saba Lodge No. 612, A.F. & A.M. — 2.1 mi
• San Saba Lodge No. 225, A. F. & A. M. — 2.1 mi
• John H. "Shorty" Brown Cemetery — 2.4 mi
• San Saba County — 2.6 mi