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towns of Haskell and Stamford, on into Stonewall County near if not directly by Old Glory, Aspermont, and to a crossing of the Salt Fork of the Brazos south of Peacock; continuing a northwest course passing near where the town of Jayton is located and up Duck Creek valley to Soldier Mound four miles north of Spur: From this point it turned to a more northerly course through Motley County to and just east of the Quitaque Peaks; veering to the northwest it ascended the Staked Plains escarpment where present Highway 86 tops the caprock; thence to a more westward course crossing the section of land immediately south of Silverton, angling to a point five miles directly west of Silverton where it again coincides with Highway 86 and follows a section line for about seven miles; then to the northwest across S. M. Rodgers' pasture to the Tule canyon head at a point known as the Mackenzie Battle Ground. The evidence tends to bear out a conclusion that |
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at this point Mackenzie's connection, in so far as
a further marking of the route, ends. However, as a natural consequence,
it was extended at an early date thereafter on to Tascosa on the
Canadian River, its final destination, there to connect with the Tascosa
and Springer, New Mexico Trail. On this part of the route it crossed
the Terra Blanco and Palo Duro Creeks at or near Canyon. Across virgin turf through Randall, Swisher, Briscoe and other counties to the southeast, ruts worn by hoof and wheel are still legibly and distinguishable. It is reasonable to suppose, moreover, it is a known fact that when its use as a military road was discontinued, and even before that time, the trail was traveled, generally, by buffalo hunters, hide, meat and bone haulers. Immigrants began following it up in their westward trek. Last but not least, the stentorian voice of the |
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