Andrews in Andrews County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Early Settlers
of Andrews County
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 25, 2012
1. Early Settlers Marker
One of last frontiers of Texas. Anglo settlement here lagged 60 years behind rest of state due to Indians and scarcity of water.
In 1886 O.B. Holt became first man to file for county land. First settlers included the Cowden brothers and Peter Von Holebeke.
In 1900 county had 87 people; it was finally organized in 1910. With windmill pumps and drift fences, ranching became feasible, although soil was so dry that a grazing cow crashed through a dugout roof into a bed one day.
In 1930 the discovery of oil brought wealth and rewarded the tenacity of first pioneers.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 1350.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 32° 19.032′ N, 102° 33.277′ W. Marker is in Andrews, Texas, in Andrews County. It is at the intersection of West Broadway Street (State Highway 115) and Northwest 7th Street, on the right when traveling west on West Broadway Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 750 W Broadway St, Andrews TX 79714, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Texas. 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 walking distance of this marker: Original Townsite of Andrews (here, next to this marker); The J. S. Means Ranch House
this page online
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 15, 2025
2. New location of Early Settlers Marker
Marker is in the middle; Original Townsite of Andrews marker (166) is on the right; J.S. Means Ranch House (2683) is on the left.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 25, 2012
3. Early Settlers Marker
Marker is at right side of photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,398 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on December 18, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on November 25, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 2. submitted on December 18, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3. submitted on November 25, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
