DUANE
Duane's take
Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. Lost Valley, Jack County — and friend, the name alone ought to give you a little pause before you go pokin' around out there. Look west and you'll see 'em on the horizon: the Seven Blue Hills, markin' this place like nature herself put up a signpost.
And just off to your right, that's Spy Knob — kept watch over the whole valley during pioneer days, standin' there like it still remembers everything it saw. It saw plenty. This valley has a long memory for trouble.
In 1857, the Cambren and Mason families — settlers, just tryin' to make a life out here — were made victims of white renegades and Indians both. That's how this ground first got soaked in sorrow. Then comes May 18, 1871, and here's the part that'll make the hair on your neck stand at attention.
General W. T. Sherman of the U.S.
Army had traveled through this very valley — safely, without a scratch. Shortly after he passed, on the western rim, the teamsters of the Warren Wagon Train were killed. The General came through fine.
The men who came right behind him did not. History can be cruel that way. And the valley wasn't done yet.
July 12, 1874 — the escort party of Major John B. Jones, Commander of the Frontier Battalion, Texas Rangers, rode through here and was ambushed. Two men killed.
The Frontier Battalion, the toughest outfit on the Texas frontier, and Lost Valley took two of 'em. In later years, the marker tells us, this has been a peaceful farm-ranch area. Peaceful.
After all that, the land just... settled down and went to raisin' cattle. Some places earn their quiet the hard way.
What the marker says
Marked by "Seven Blue Hills" in distance. To right is Spy Knob -- a lookout during pioneer days. Noted atrocity site: In 1857, the Cambren and Mason families, settlers, were victims of white renegades and Indians. On May 18, 1871, on western rim, teamsters of Warren Wagon Train were killed soon after General W. T. Sherman of the U.S. Army had traveled safely through this valley. On July 12, 1874, the escort part of Major John B. Jones, Commander of the Frontier Battalion, Texas Rangers, was ambushed here, with two men killed. In later years, this has been peaceful farm-ranch area. (1970)