Sweetwater in Nolan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Nolan County
Nomadic Indians crossed this region before Anglo-American pioneers arrived here in the 1870's. The first settlers were buffalo hunters such as I.S. (Tuck) Focht, who later became a rancher and businessman, and cattlemen such as confederate veteran John R. Lewis.
Created in 1876, Nolan County was one of 54 countries carved from Bexar Territory. It was named for Philip Nolan (1771-1801), an Irish-born adventurer who came to Texas to capture wild horses and was killed in a skirmish with Spanish soldiers. Sweetwater, a small settlement that had grown up around a general store, was awarded the county's first post office in March 1879. It was also named the county seat when Nolan County was organized in January 1881. Sweetwater moved 2 miles northwest to its present location on the Texas & Pacific Rail Line in April 1881. It became an important rail center when the Kansas City, Mexico & Orient and later the Santa Fe Railroad also routed their track through the town.
The economy of Nolan County is based on cattle and sheep ranching; cotton and feed grain crops; and gypsum, line, and petroleum production. The population of the county increased from 640 in 1880 to 16,220 in the 1970 census.
Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3600.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1881.
Location. 32° 28.238′ N, 100° 24.485′ W. Marker is in Sweetwater, Texas, in Nolan County. Marker is on East Broadway Avenue just east of Oak Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 E 3rd St, Sweetwater TX 79556, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. W.A.S.P. (Women's Airforce Service Pilots) Training Base: Avenger Field (within shouting distance of this marker); Ragland Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); S.D. Myres (about 600 feet away); Texas and Pacific Railway (about 600 feet away); First Baptist Church of Sweetwater (about 600 feet away); Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium (about 800 feet away); Davis House (approx. 0.4 miles away); R.A. Ragland House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sweetwater.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.