Near Iraan in Pecos County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Giddings' Pecos Station

Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 20, 2020

1. Giddings' Pecos Station Marker

Inscription. In the mid-19th century, stagecoach lines were a primary means of moving people, mail and supplies through the region. The U.S. government contracted with Henry Skillman for the San Antonio-El Paso Stage line in 1851. In this area, the route ran along the historic Chihuahua Trail, also known as the Lower Road, which was designed to carry U.S. Mail. The service soon added passenger and freight delivery. Skillman and William "Bigfoot" Wallace were two of the better known drivers.

In 1854, George H. Giddings took over the San Antonio to El Paso line and created a series of stage stations in the area. In 1858, he established one near the "S" crossing of the Pecos River. It had two structures built of adobe, limestone and wood. Teamsters used the larger building as a kitchen and dining room and the smaller structure as sleeping quarters. An adobe or high pole corral with a wide gate stood behind the buildings, housing dozens of horses and mules. Water came from a nearby hand-dug well, formerly an existing spring.

In early 1862, a driver of the stage to Fort Lancaster reported Indians had destroyed Pecos Station, and the

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site was abandoned. Lt. Col. Thomas B. Hunt led a detachment past the ruins in 1869, giving the position as the west bank of the Pecos, 2.5 miles from Camp Melbourne. The exact location of the remote post, however, remained in doubt over the years until archeological investigations in the early 21st century. Stone foundations and cultural artifacts from the 1850s, along with evidence of earlier Native American occupation, helped identify this isolated scene of frontier life.

Erected 2007 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14031.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 30° 55.348′ N, 101° 58.891′ W. Marker is near Iraan, Texas, in Pecos County. It is on U.S. 190 1.4 miles west of Texas Highway 349, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in a roadside picnic area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Iraan TX 79744, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Texas.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of

Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 20, 2020

2. Giddings' Pecos Station Marker

Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Marathon Oil Company Discovery Well (approx. 4.2 miles away); Iraan (approx. 4.9 miles away); Lest We Forget (approx. 4.9 miles away); O. W. Parker Ranch Headquarters (approx. 6.3 miles away); Camp Melvin and the Pontoon Crossing of the Pecos River (approx. 6.7 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2020, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 702 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2020, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.