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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Sheffield in Crockett County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
 

Old Government Road

 
 
Old Government Road Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By William F Haenn, November 30, 2014
1. Old Government Road Marker
Inscription. Route of march and troop supply on Texas frontier. Followed in part pre-Columbian Indian trails and "Old Chihuahua Trail" that ran from San Antonio to El Paso and Mexico. In 1840s this was extended to Gulf Coast Port of Indianola where imported goods arrived from the United States and Europe, and were freighted out to be exchanged in Chihuahua for ore of silver and gold, leather goods, and other products.

In 1848 water holes and camp sites were marked as this road was re-charted for use of U.S. troops sent to protect Texas frontiers from Indian invasions. Army posts were built along this road: Fort Clark, between San Antonio and Del Rio, 1852; Fort Davis, in the Davis Mountains, 1854; Camp Lancaster, at this site, became Fort Lancaster in 1856. Camp Hudson and Fort Stockton were founded in 1857 and 1859. With all the army traffic, trail won new name of "Government Road."

Pioneer settlers, adventurers, California-bound gold seekers—even camel trains in government service—traveled this road in spite of frequent encounters with Comanches, Apaches, Kiowas, and other Indians. The Army finally stationed troops in continuous picket line from San Antonio to El Paso. However, it was not until 1870 that relatively safe passage was assured.
 
Erected 1968 by State Historical
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Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3737.)
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and CastlesIndustry & CommerceRoads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the San Antonio-El Paso Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
 
Location. 30° 40.697′ N, 101° 40.375′ W. Marker is in Sheffield, Texas, in Crockett County. Marker is on State Highway 290, 8.8 miles south of Interstate 10, on the left when traveling west. This marker is located in the TXDOT picnic area overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sheffield TX 79781, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Chihuahua Trail and Escondido Water Hole (a few steps from this marker); Howard's Well (a few steps from this marker); Fort Lancaster Cemetery (approx. 1˝ miles away); Hospital (approx. 1.6 miles away); Officer's Quarters (approx. 1.6 miles away); Commanding Officer's Quarters (approx. 1.6 miles away); Commissary (approx. 1.6 miles away); Ruins of Fort Lancaster (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sheffield.
 
Old Government Road Marker site image. Click for full size.
Photographed By William F Haenn, November 30, 2014
2. Old Government Road Marker site
View from marker site of the valley of the Pecos River image. Click for full size.
Photographed By William F Haenn, November 30, 2014
3. View from marker site of the valley of the Pecos River
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2014, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 582 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on November 23, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2014, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 29, 2024