Castro County Shoot-Out on Jones Street, Dimmitt, Texas. (original) (raw)

The Gunfight

While county-seat disputes were common in Texas, rarely did they result in fatal gunplay. This was the case however, in the dispute between rivalsDimmittand Castro Cityback in 1891. Developer_Ira Aten and Andy McClelland_ got into it on the courthouse lawn and a plaque commemorates the event today.

Historical Marker:

SHOOT-OUT ON JONES STREET

At an 1891 meeting to discuss the selection of a Castro County seat, words were exchanged between Ira Aten, a retired Texas Ranger speaking on behalf of Castro City, and Andrew McClelland, a spokesman for Dimmitt. The inflammatory remarks led to a gunfight between the two men on December 23, five days after Dimmitt was chosen county seat. In an exchange of shots in the middle of Jones Street, Aten wounded Andrew McClelland and his brother Hugh. Aten was acquitted of the assault charges and a short time later was appointed Castro County sheriff.

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