Near Comstock in Val Verde County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Pecos River in Literature and Folklore
Photographed by William F Haenn, May 29, 2012
1. The Pecos River in Literature and Folklore Marker
Inscription.
The Pecos River in Literature and Folklore. . Noted for mineral-thick waters and sudden floods, the Pecos River snakes through Texas on its way to the Rio Grande. Historian J. Evetts Haley and folklorist J. Frank Dobie, who called it “a strange river,” and a “barricade,” are among many who have immortalized the Pecos in writing. Zane Grey wrote, "Rising clear and cold in the mountains of northern New Mexico, its pure waters cut through rough country that changed its flood to turbid red." Storytellers have likened the river and the arid land along it to hell, death and violence. A natural border for several counties, the Pecos is where the mythic Wild West begins, the land that produced the legendary Judge Roy Bean and fabled Pecos Bill.
Noted for mineral-thick waters and sudden floods, the Pecos River snakes through Texas on its way to the Rio Grande. Historian J. Evetts Haley and folklorist J. Frank Dobie, who called it “a strange river,” and a “barricade,” are among many who have immortalized the Pecos in writing. Zane Grey wrote, "Rising clear and cold in the mountains of northern New Mexico, its pure waters cut through rough country that changed its flood to turbid red." Storytellers have likened the river and the arid land along it to hell, death and violence. A natural border for several counties, the Pecos is where the mythic Wild West begins, the land that produced the legendary Judge Roy Bean and fabled Pecos Bill.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13410.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 29° 42.367′ N, 101° 21.213′ W. Marker is near Comstock, Texas, in Val Verde County. It can be reached from U.S. 90 0.6 miles east of U.S. 90, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Pecos River Scenic Overlook, Comstock TX 78837, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country. 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 Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured
Another marker is no longer nearby. Comstock (was approx. 11 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by William F Haenn, May 29, 2012
2. The Pecos River looking upstream at the marker location
One of three markers placed at the Pecos River Scenic Overlook. A must stop for any traveller on U.S. Hwy 90.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 1,176 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2012, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
