W
to Weatherford for supplies and diversion, a break from
hard-scrabble life on the frontier, and the opportunity to
sell and buy livestock and goods. This was not uncom-
mon in those days, even the well-known trade days in
Canton began this way. According to the event’s website:
“IT ALL BEGAN … in the 1850s when the circuit judge
stopped in Canton on the FIRST MONDAY of each
month. This was the day the Judge held court. People
from the area came to town on that day to conduct their
business, stock their pantries and sit in on court proceed-
ings … and watch a few ‘hangings.’ History relates one
incident where a man was hung for stealing his partner’s
wagon of goods for trading. He is buried facing south (not
hat was first
called “Stray
Day” in 1858 evolved
into one of the oldest
open-air markets
in Texas, Weath-
erford’s very own
First Monday Trade
Days. Now managed
by the Weatherford
Parks and Recreation
Department, the
popular venue has
long been a vibrant
part of the city. But
long before a parks
and rec department
was ever conceived
of, Stray Day took
place on the outskirts
of Anglo civilization,
on the wild frontier.
In the late 1840s,
Kiowa and Comanche
Indians, members
of the great Native
American plains horse
culture, controlled
the area now known
as Parker County.
Though both Spain
and Mexico had
“ruled” the area,
neither made any
attempts at coloniza-
tion. When settlers
of European descent
from the United States
began to filter in to
the area, it was on
well-trodden trails
along the Brazos River
established by the
Indians.
In the early
1850s, local settle-
ments accelerated
as pioneers streamed out of Tarrant, Collin and Denton
counties, trying to escape outbreaks of malaria. With the
establishment of the Butterfield Overland Mail route in
1855, the local population increased dramatically. That
year Isaac Parker secured 224 signatures on a petition
to form a new county, and in December 1855, the state
legislature formed Parker County from parts of Bosque
and Navarro counties.
Designated as the county seat, by 1858 Weatherford
boasted a new two-story brick courthouse and a smat-
tering of cabins and tents. The centerpiece courthouse
and its monthly trials provided entertainment for folks
spread out along the frontier who would often sally forth
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