Shoot-out on Jones Street

Ira Aten had watched the death of the outlaw Sam Bass in 1878 and enlisted in the Texas Rangers soon after, serving more than six years and rising to sergeant. In 1889 Governor Lawrence S. Ross sent him to quell the Jaybird-Woodpecker War in Fort Bend County. After his marriage to Imogen Boyce in 1892 the couple lived in a dugout ranch house near Dimmitt, and when he became sheriff she served as county jailer. In 1904 the family moved to California, where he died in 1953, called the last of the old Texas Rangers.

What the plaque says

Shoot-out on Jones Street At an 1891 meeting to discuss the selection of a Castro County seat, words were exchanged between Ira Aten, a retired Texas Ranger speaking on behalf of Castro City, and Andrew McClelland, a spokesman for Dimmitt. The inflammatory remarks led to a gunfight between the two men on Dec. 23, five days after Dimmitt was chosen county seat. In an exchange of shots in the middle of Jones Street, Aten wounded Andrew McClelland and his brother Hugh. Aten was acquitted of the assault charges and a short time later was appointed Castro County sheriff. (1983)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Deaf Smith County Historical Museum — 19 mi
  Hereford's county museum in an early Catholic school: the Windmill City's pioneers, a half-dugout and caboose outside, and work by the Italian prisoners held south of town in the war.

More markers nearby

• Castro County Courthouses — steps away
• Castro County — 1.1 mi
• Summerfield-Dameron Corner — 5.6 mi
• Holy Family Catholic Church — 12 mi