Near Kermit in Winkler County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Texas Territorial Compromise of 1850
When Texas was annexed to the United States, 1846, her territory included 98,300 square miles now in the states of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Wyoming. After the Mexican War (fought 1846-1848, over the annexation), anti-slavery forces in the U.S. sought to trim the size of Texas, a slave state.
To raise money and establish a definite boundary, Texas accepted the compromise of 1850 and agreed to give up a third of her area in return for payment of $10,000,000. The money paid debts of the former Republic of Texas, set up a $2,000,000 public school fund, and erected state buildings, including a new capitol (which subsequently burned in 1881).
By the 1850 compromise, the western boundary of Texas follows the 103rd meridian south from 36° 30′; near here intersects the 32nd parallel, then goes west along the parallel to the Rio Grande.
The corner marks not only a peaceable boundary pact, but also shows an unbroken stretch of Permian Basin lands, unified in geography and common goals.
Erected 1966 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5274.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 32° 0.017′ N, 103° 7.975′ W. Marker is near Kermit, Texas, in Winkler County. It is on State Highway 18 7 miles north of Farm to Market Road 874, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kermit TX 79745, 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 6 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Colonel C. M. Winkler (approx. 10.2 miles away); The Sand Hills (approx. 10.2 miles away); The Community Church (approx. 10.3 miles away); Moorhead Cable Tool Rig (approx. 10.4 miles away); Kermit (approx. 10.9 miles away); Old Duval Townsite (approx. 11.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kermit.
Other markers no longer nearby. Winkler County Courthouse (was approx. 10.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Kermit's Oldest Home (was approx. 10.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2026, by Bryce Rushing of Kermit, Texas. This page has been viewed 116 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on January 12, 2026, by Bryce Rushing of Kermit, Texas. 2. submitted on January 15, 2026, by Bryce Rushing of Kermit, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.

