Bones Hooks Park To Get Historical Marker In Amarillo, Texas

Tomorrow, June 19, is Juneteenth. There will be several places closed around town including banks and City offices in observance of the now three-year-old federal holiday. Tomorrow in Amarillo will also be the day that Bones Hooks Park gets the honor of receiving its own historical marker.

Bones Hooks Park To Receive An Official Historical Marker In Honor Of Bones Hooks

I have a small issue when it comes to historical markers. Every time I see one, I have to turn around, go back to it, and take a photo. I love them. It's a great way to learn about the history of whatever area you happen to be in without listening to a boring lecture. Usually, you walk away with some fascinating facts that make for great conversation for the next leg of the trip.

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They're important because they honor the people and events that helped shape communities and regions. Historical markers tie us to some of the most important moments in our history. Tomorrow, a dedication event will be held at noon in honor of Matthew "Bones" Hooks.

Bones Hooks Park Dedication Event June 19 At Noon

The City of Amarillo posted about the event and included a picture of what I assume the historical marker will look like. When it comes to Bones Hooks, the marker states that he was the son of formerly enslaved persons, worked ranches and had a knack for taming horses, was a Texas panhandle pioneer and community leader in Amarillo.

The marker states that he got the name "Bones" Hooks after a cowboy asked him to hand him some dice. The cowboy referred to the dice as "bones" and Hooks responded, "My name ain't Bones." The name stuck after that.

This marker is great for Bones Hooks Park and for the community as a whole. If you can be there at noon tomorrow for the dedication event, make plans to attend.