Near Girvin in Crane County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Horsehead Crossing, C.S.A.

(about 10 mi. NW)

Photographed By Brian Anderson, March 21, 2021

1. Horsehead Crossing, C.S.A. Marker

Inscription. One of the most important sites in the old west. Named for skulls pointing toward crossing. Only ford for many miles where animals could enter, drink and leave Pecos River safely. Elsewhere deep banks would trap them. Ford mapped 1849 by Capt. R. B. Marcy, head of army escort for parties on way to California gold rush. Used in 1850's contractor for first mail route from San Antonio to El Paso. As change station, echoed with brass bugle call of Butterfield coach carrying mail from St. Louis to San Francisco, in first stage service to span continent, 1858-1861.

During the Civil War, 1861-1865, used by wagons hauling highly valuable salt scooped from bed of nearby Juan Cordona Lake, to meet Texas scarcities. Also scene of spying and counter spying of Federal and Confederates watching Overland Trail. Federals, operating out of El Paso, feared invasion by way of Horsehead. Confederates several times threw back armies that sought to enter the state in order to deploy along the old Overland Trail and conquer north and west Texas.

Later this became important crossing for cattle on Goodnight-Loving trail, mapped in 1866.

Erected 1965 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2567.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration

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• Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Butterfield Overland Mail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 31° 5.828′ N, 102° 20.257′ W. Marker is near Girvin, Texas, in Crane County. Marker is on U.S. 67/385, on the right when traveling south. Located south of Crane in Crane County but is closest to McCamey, several miles southwest near the Pecos River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Crane TX 79731, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. McCamey (approx. 7.1 miles away); Nancy Ethie Eagleton (approx. 7.2 miles away); The Little House on the Corner (approx. 7.2 miles away); McCamey Junior High School (approx. 7.3 miles away); Bobcat Hills (West of Highway) (approx. 7.6 miles away); King Mountain (approx. 7.6 miles away); Mendoza Trail (approx. 7.6 miles away); Early Humble Camp in Permian Basin (approx. 7.6 miles away).

Additional commentary.
1. Horse Head Crossing
This is the most historical spot in Texas where nothing but a granite marker has been set in place. Please do

Horsehead Crossing Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Zacharias Beau T, May 29, 2011

2. Horsehead Crossing Historical Marker

The holes in the historical marker are not from target practice but vandalism!

not litter as this is hallowed ground.Visit here and know that you are in a very special place. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted August 12, 2012, by Paul Gerhardt noack of Austin, Texas.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2012, by Zacharias Beau T of Alpine, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,528 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on October 1, 2013, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on March 25, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. 2. submitted on February 26, 2012, by Zacharias Beau T of Alpine, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.