History Lesson:
Founded in 1872 as a pivotal railroad hub for the Missouri-Kansas-Texas ("Katy") Railroad, Denison, Texas, earned the nickname "Katy's Baby" and quickly became a major North Texas transportation and commercial center. Known as the birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this historic city near the Red River was incorporated in 1873 and established Texas's first free public school.
Key Historical Aspects of Denison:
- Railroad Roots: Established in 1872 where the M-K-T railroad crossed the Red River, the city was named after Katy executive George Denison. It served as a critical gateway between Texas and the Indian Territory (Oklahoma).
- Eisenhower Birthplace: The 34th U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was born in a modest home in Denison on October 14, 1890, while his father worked for the railroad.
- "Katy's Baby": The town was established so quickly in conjunction with the railroad that it was nicknamed "Katy's Baby".
- Development: By 1873, the town had over 3,000 residents. It became a bustling, sometimes wild, city in the 19th century, with notable figures like Doc Holliday having offices there in 1875.
- Landmarks: The historic Katy Depot still stands, and the city maintains a Red River Railroad Museum at 124 W. Main St..
- Modern Recognition: In 2025, downtown Denison was recognized with the Great American Main Street Award for its dedication to historic preservation and community development.
Today, Denison is a city of roughly 25,000, known for its rich railroad heritage, historic downtown, and proximity to Lake Texoma.
Cache Information:
This is a two stage multi-cache. At stage one, there are nine plaques commemorating historical people, places, and events that helped make Denison what it is today. You will need info from six of these plaques to get the correct coordinates to the final. The final is located at N 33 46.ABC W 96 31.DEF in a nearby cemetery. Answer the below six questions to get the correct coordinates.
A. First Free Public Graded School in Texas Plaque:
On what block of Main Street was the school located?
400-- 0
500-- 1
600-- 2
700-- 3
B. The XXI Women's Club and Library Plaque:
In what year was the club's library donated to the Denison Library?
1935-- 1
1936-- 2
1937-- 3
1938-- 4
C. The Grape Man Of Texas Plaque:
What is this man's middle name?
Brenham-- 6
Volney-- 7
Eugene-- 8
Greene-- 9
D. Distinguished African American Citizens Plaque:
Into what sport's Hall of Fame was Michael inducted?
Baseball-- 6
Basketball-- 7
Football-- 8
Soccer-- 9
E. Denison Dam and Lake Texoma Plaque:
From what nationality were the prisoners of war?
Japanese-- 8
Russian-- 6
Italian-- 4
German-- 2
F. The Hero of The Hudson Plaque:
In what year did this man begin his civil aviation career?
1980-- 0
1981-- 1
1982-- 2
1983-- 3
Adding up all six of the correct numbers will equal 21. The final is in a nearby cemetery. You seek a bison tube.