James Buchanan Gillett

In 1881 Gillett and Ranger George Lloyd rode into Zaragoza, Chihuahua, without extradition papers, seized Eunofrio Baca, wanted for killing the editor A. M. Conklin in Socorro, New Mexico, and galloped four miles to the Rio Grande under fire; a mob later lynched Baca, and Mexico protested to Washington. Gillett left the El Paso marshal's office in 1885 after clubbing a city councilman with a six-shooter. In Marfa he was a director of the Marfa National Bank and for years president of the Bloys Camp Meeting.

What the plaque says

James Buchanan Gillett (Nov. 4, 1856 - June 11, 1937) A very famous Texas Ranger. Born in Austin, son of Adjutant General of Texas. At 16 became cowboy on Western frontier. At 19 joined Rangers; hunted down raiding Indians, rustlers, feuding settlers. After serving 1875-1881, became El Paso city marshal. Ranched 41 years in far West Texas (living in and near Marfa) and New Mexico. His book, "Six Years with the Texas Rangers", is read as an Old West classic. Recorded 1969

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Chinati Foundation — 1.0 mi
  Donald Judd's museum on the grounds of old Fort D. A. Russell in Marfa, where art, buildings and land are meant to be seen together, by guided tour.
• Presidio County Courthouse — 1.1 mi
  Marfa's domed courthouse of 1886, a Second Empire landmark finished in time for a New Year's ball, its statue of Justice still missing the scales someone shot away.
• Marfa Lights Viewing Area — 9.6 mi
  The roadside viewing area on US 90 nine miles east of Marfa, where people gather after dark to watch the horizon toward the Chinati Mountains for the Marfa lights.
• Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens — 19 mi
  The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute's grounds south of Fort Davis, with an 18-acre botanical garden, a cactus museum and trails into the desert foothills.

More markers nearby

• William Edward Russell — steps away
• Fort D.A. Russell — 0.9 mi
• Presidio County — 2.0 mi
• Marfa Stockyards — 2.2 mi