Historical Marker
Shafter Lake Cemetery
Frankel City, Andrews County · Texas
Erected 1973
Shafter's career ran long after his 1875 march. Between 1876 and 1878 he led three campaigns into Mexico, became colonel of the First Infantry in 1879 and took part in the war against the Apache leader Victorio. Later posts took him to Arizona, California and South Dakota, where in 1890-91 he helped return people to Pine Ridge after the Wounded Knee massacre. In 1898 he led the American army to Cuba, then the largest United States force ever sent abroad. He received the Medal of Honor in 1895 and died near Bakersfield, California, in 1906.
What the plaque says
Shafter Lake Cemetery (1.5 miles West) Established just after turn of the century, on the south bank of Shafter Lake, and two miles south of the extinct settlement of Shafter Lake. Named for Colonel William R. Shafter (1835-1906), who led military expedition through region in 1875. It became the resting place for residents of remote ranches and travelers. Oldest legible gravestones are dated 1909; those of Joseph Snively and Mrs. Lucy Woolsey. Several remains have been removed by relatives; site now contains 12 known graves. The once neglected cemetery is cared for by Andrews County. (1973)
Where it stands
32.39291, -102.64215 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Shafter Lake Townsite — 2.6 mi
- Andrews County Discovery Well — 4.2 mi
- Florey Park — 6.0 mi
- J. S. Means Ranch House — 7.3 mi