Big Lake in Reagan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Martin-Castillo Expedition

Photographed By Brian Anderson, May 26, 2018

1. Martin-Castillo Expedition Marker

Inscription.

Explored the Concho River, 32 miles north of here, gathering information on Jumano Indians and searching for pearls, 1650.

Setting out from Santa Fe, Capts. Hernan Martin and Diego del Castillo traveled about 600 miles to the Jumano territory, where they stayed for 6 months.

Further travels took them to the edge of the Texas nation, where they obtained the first information definitely about the tribe that gave Texas its name. The "discoveries" of their journey -- pearls and the Texas nation -- sparked later important Spanish expeditions to East Texas.

Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3232.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1650.

Location. 31° 11.486′ N, 101° 27.698′ W. Marker is in Big Lake, Texas, in Reagan County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 67 and North Main Street, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 67. Marker is located in front of the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 North Main Avenue, Big Lake TX 76932, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John H. Reagan (here, next to this marker); a different

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marker also named John H. Reagan (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); City of Big Lake (approx. one mile away); Stiles Cemetery (approx. 14.9 miles away).

Photographed By Brian Anderson, May 26, 2018

2. Martin-Castillo Expedition Marker

Martin-Castillo Expedition marker is on the right. John H. Reagan marker is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 650 times since then and 420 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.