Andrews in Andrews County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Shafter's Trail

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 25, 2012

1. Shafter's Trail Marker

Inscription. In 1875, Col. Wm. R. Shafter and a company of soldiers traveled from Fort Concho (where San Angelo is today) to Monument Springs, N. Mex., charting the arid plains, mapping all the vital watering places.

This marker is in the only town of today through which Shafter's Trail passes. Here Col. Shafter, defending his party, chased Indians who ran 12 miles to the northwest. Thus he found the salt lake known ever after by his name. His expedition's maps of this formerly unknown land opened the Permian Basin to settlement.

Erected 1965 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 4654.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 32° 18.845′ N, 102° 32.723′ W. Marker is in Andrews, Texas, in Andrews County. It is at the intersection of Andrews Street and South Main Street (U.S. 385), on the right when traveling north on Andrews Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 Comanchería,

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: Billionth Barrel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Two Billionth Barrel (approx. 0.4 miles away); C.E. Carruth Bi-Centennial Building (approx.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

0.6 miles away); Vietnam War (approx. 0.6 miles away); Andrews County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Means Methodist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); World War II (approx. 0.6 miles away); American Civil War / Spanish American War (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Andrews.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 25, 2012

2. Shafter's Trail Marker

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 15, 2025

3. Shafter's Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,320 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 25, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on December 18, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.