Near Tilden in McMullen County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Townsite of Wentz
Five Miles Southeast to
Founded as market center for a 44,000-acre farm development. Thrived for 3 years, 1914-1916.
Wentz townsite was named for C.C. Wentz (1872-1957), agent of the Two Rivers Ranch Co. He promoted the townsite for the absentee Kansas landlords, and was also a well-known businessman in West Virginia before coming to Texas.
The town grew to have about 200 people by 1916. A limousine was hired to meet each train at Three Rivers and bring the mail to Wentz. A severe drouth in 1917, though, forced most citizens to move. The post office closed, 1921; the two schools in 1948.
Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5546.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 28° 27.602′ N, 98° 26.508′ W. Marker is near Tilden, Texas, in McMullen County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 72 and Farm to Market Road 99, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 72. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tilden TX 78072, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Yarbrough Bend (here, next to this marker); Calliham (approx. 5.8 miles away); First Producing Gas Well in McMullen County and First Gas Pipeline to San Antonio (approx. 5.8 miles away); Camp Rio Frio, C.S.A. (approx. 6.4 miles away); San Caja Hill (approx. 6˝ miles away); Original Burial Site of Moses William Hindes (approx. 6˝ miles away); Boot Hill Cemetery, 1858-77 (approx. 6˝ miles away); Dog Town Jail (approx. 6˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tilden.
Also see . . . Wentz, Texas - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on April 9, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 13, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.