Marker Number:5293
Marker Title:The Block 97 Controversy
Index Entry:Block 97 Controversy, The
Address:US 180, near FM 1609
City:Snyder
County:Scurry
UTM Zone:14
UTM Easting:312900
UTM Northing:3622857
Subject Codes:LD; RR
Year Marker Erected:1972
Designations:na
Marker Location:from Snyder take US 180 about 6 miles to marker near junction with FM 1609
Marker Size:18" x 28"
Repairs Completed:
Marker Text:Notorious county land dispute arising from state practice of paying railroads in public land for trackage laid. Began in 1873 when Houston & Texas Central claimed, in error, some 300,000 acres of Block 97 which were in reserve for Texas & Pacific. Found in 1882, the error voided all deeds from H. & T.C. for lots in the reserve. Much land was unscrupulously resold, causing a decade of conflict over claims. Issue was decided only when 1899 Legislature, on authority of State Supreme Court, declared land to be state school land and gave settlers option to buy. (1972)