Running Water Community

Edmonson, the town that took Running Water's place, was platted by W. W. Edmonson in August 1929 at the Edmonson switch on the Fort Worth and Denver, twelve miles northwest of Plainview at what is now the junction of State Highway 194 and Farm Road 1424. According to the Handbook, Running Water's businesses moved three miles north to the line in 1928, and the old site was abandoned after the post office left. Edmonson had two grain elevators and 100 people in 1940, incorporated in 1963 and counted 123 residents in 2000.

What the plaque says

Running Water Community Attracted by abundant water from Running Water Draw, J. W. and T. W. Morrison established a ranch in 1881 with headquarters about ten miles west of here. Most of the early settlers in this region worked for the ranch. Later, several partners joined the operation, including wealthy cattleman C. C. Slaughter. In 1884 Dennis and Martha S. Rice purchased several sections of land along the draw south of this site. Rice hoped to start a town and lure the railroad across his land. He began Wadsworth Post Office in his dugout in 1890. It was renamed Running Water in 1891. Rice organized the Running Water Townsite and Investment Company and staged a picnic and barbecue, July 4, 1892, for the purpose of selling town lots. Soon the community had a blacksmith shop, grist mill, a two-story store building, several residences and churches. The early one-room schoolhouse was later replaced by a brick structure. Although the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad bypassed Running Water in 1928, it remained a thriving village for several years. In 1935 the post office moved to Edmondson Switch on the railroad and many residents relocated here. In 1937 the name of this settlement was changed to Edmondson. 1978

Where it stands

More markers nearby

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• United Methodist Church — 10 mi