Near Fort Stockton in Pecos County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac J. Rude
Pioneer Stagecoach Stand Operators
Photographed by Brian Anderson, March 21, 2021
1. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac J. Rude Marker
On way to California from Tennessee in the 1850's Isaac J. and Sarah Isabella Rude settled in West Texas. In Davis Mountains, Rude built and operated a station for the Butterfield Overland Stage; here passengers had meals while mules were unharnessed and exchanged for a fresh team. Soon Butterfield - the pioneer passenger and mail service (1858-1861) from St. Louis to California - had Rude move here to Ft. Stockton and build another stand. In 1859, when a stop was added at Leon water hole, 5 mi. west of Ft. Stockton, Rude built and ran the stand there. Food there was best on the route, said a journalist.
Sarah Rude (1834-1916) carried a pistol under her apron, to protect her children. When Indians attacked the Davis Mountains stand, the men loaded guns and handed them to Mrs. Rude - a calm, sure marksman. Just over 5 ft. tall, she butchered and skinned beeves to feed her family, when her husband was away.
After stages stopped operating in 1861, Isaac Rude, like others associated with the Overland Mail, joined the Confederate army. Later he became a prosperous businessman in McKinney. Born in 1829, he died in 1902.
Erected 1967
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 30° 53.88′ N, 103° 1.051′ W. Marker is near Fort Stockton, Texas, in Pecos County. It is on Interstate 10 Frontage Road 2.1 miles east of U.S. 67, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Stockton TX 79735, 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 Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Telephone Exchange (approx. 7.9 miles away); Telegraph Office & School (approx. 8.2 miles away); Downtown Fort Stockton (approx. 8.2 miles
Photographed by Brian Anderson, March 21, 2021
2. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac J. Rude Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 340 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 25, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.
