The Narrows (Knox County, Texas) facts for kids

The Narrows is a special natural place in Knox County, Texas, near the town of Benjamin, Texas. It's a long, narrow ridge of land that runs from east to west. This ridge acts like a natural wall, separating where rainwater flows.

If rain falls on the north side of The Narrows, the water flows into the Wichita River. From there, it travels to the Red River of the South and eventually reaches the huge Mississippi River. But if rain falls on the south side, the water flows into the Brazos River, which goes straight to the Gulf of Mexico. It's like a natural water divide!

A Look at the Land

The Narrows is a type of landform called a hogback. This means it's a steep ridge with a narrow top. The area around it has many canyons and ravines, which are deep, narrow valleys. This kind of bumpy land is sometimes called "badlands" because it's hard to travel through.

Today, these rugged areas are mostly used for ranching. This means people raise cattle and other animals there.

History and Wildlife

Long ago, before settlers came to Texas, The Narrows was a very important place for animals and people. Huge herds of buffalo loved to gather there. They were attracted by the fresh springs and a special type of grass called buffalo grass.

Because so many buffalo were there, it was a great hunting spot for several Native American tribes. Tribes like the Comanche, Wichita, Kiowa, Apache, Seminole, and Tonkawa often visited this area. They camped there and sometimes even had battles. Even today, people still find signs of their ancient camps and activities.

Later, when new settlers arrived, they used the same trails that the Native Americans and buffalo had made. These trails helped them travel through the area.

Visiting The Narrows

The Narrows is a very pretty place, and it has become a popular spot for tourists to visit. US 82 runs right along the top of the ridge.

Along the highway, there's a roadside park where people can stop and enjoy the view. There's also a historical marker. This marker tells visitors about the history and geology of The Narrows. It's a great place to learn about the past and see some amazing Texas scenery!