Eight Officer Quarters were built on the west side of the Parade Ground, one of which burned in an evening fire in 1872. The quarters housed married officers and their families, as well as bachelor officers and married officers who were serving on . . . — — Map (db m201521) HM
This important Indian Wars Fort was active from 1867 to 1886. It was strategically placed at Comanche Springs to protect the San Antonio to El Paso mail, freight wagons, cattle drives and immigrants. The United States Army was charged by the Treaty . . . — — Map (db m201520) HM
This important Indian Wars Fort was active from 1867 to 1886. It was strategically placed at Comanche Springs to protect the San Antonio to El Paso mail, freight wagons, cattle drives and immigrants. The United States Army was charged by the Treaty . . . — — Map (db m201526) HM
Fort Stockton's first hotel of significance. Built 1900. Adobe, with "gingerbread" trim. Large verandas, dining room, parlors, guest rooms. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966
Entered in the National Register of Historic . . . — — Map (db m138957) HM
The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum was originally the Koehler Hotel built in 1899. Annie Frazier Johnson Riggs purchased the hotel for $5,000 in 1904 and changed the name to the Riggs Hotel. She operated the business as a boarding house. The building . . . — — Map (db m201463) HM
Once, one of the largest artesian spring systems in Texas, called Comanche by early Mexican settlers, it provided 60 million gallons of water per day. Water that all relied upon; the Comanche, Apache, Kiowa, Kickapoo, mail coaches to El Paso and San . . . — — Map (db m201374) HM
The pavilion was built in 1938 over the Big Chief Spring. It was the largest spring in the Comanche Springs system and flowed 65 million gallons of water a day. The pool, as it exists today, was constructed in 1953 and serves as host to the annual . . . — — Map (db m201512) HM
Courthouse and jail built 1883 of native sandstone. Nearby Zero Stone place in 1859 as first reference point of local surveys. Recorded Texas Historical Landmark - 1966 — — Map (db m139405) HM
Fort Stockton was incorporated as a city after a 56 to 51 vote in favor on December 27, 1910. Prior to that time, the original settlement was named St. Gall. The citizens changed the name to Fort Stockton in 1881. Fort Stockton's first Mayor was . . . — — Map (db m201444) HM
The First National Bank was constructed in 1912 by contractors Westerman and Mitchell who had just remodeled the Pecos County Courthouse. The bank was established in 1910 as the rail fueled growth, but the bank failed during the Great Depression. . . . — — Map (db m201445) HM
Built in 1912, this structure originally housed the First National Bank of Fort Stockton. Established two years earlier, the bank failed during the years of the great depression. In 1935 the building was purchased by the Pecos County State Bank. . . . — — Map (db m201446) HM
The Pecos County commissioners authorized E.W. Bennett (1858-1933) to establish Ft. Stockton's first telephone service in May 1909. The switchboard, operated by Bennett's daughter, Zetta, was located in a room attached to this adobe house, where the . . . — — Map (db m201535) HM
(Front):
After Federal evacuation at start of Civil War, occupied by 2nd Regiment Texas Mounted Rifles. On far western frontier defense line. Supply post for troops going to and from Arizona-New Mexico campaign 1861-1862, designed to make . . . — — Map (db m63592) HM WM
Founded in 1859, Fort Stockton was abandoned during the Civil War and reestablished in 1867, when this guard house was built. Stone for the structure was quarried locally. The lumber was hauled from Indianola by oxcart. The Guard House consisted of . . . — — Map (db m56547) HM
When Fort Stockton was rebuilt in 1867 to protect the route to El Paso, seven homes were erected for officers' families. Built with rock foundations and thick adobe walls, the structures faced the parade ground. Nearby were located corrals, carriage . . . — — Map (db m81871) HM
Part of Old Fort Stockton; built in 1880's. Hangout for cowboys and hotel guests. Later a store and post office. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966
Entered in the National Register of Historic Places - 1973 — — Map (db m138958) HM
The Grey Mule Saloon, circa 1890, was one of several saloons in early Fort Stockton. Cowboys camping on the Pecos River would frequent the saloons, which were the sites of several gun fights and shootings. In 1894 Sheriff A.J. Royal was in the . . . — — Map (db m201464) HM
The Army returned in 1867 after the Civil War and rebuilt the fort. The cemetery was established in 1875. The remains of soldiers buried here were removed to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio in 1888 following the closure of Fort . . . — — Map (db m201443) HM
Pecos County built its first jail in 1877 after the county was created in 1871 and organized in 1875. Construction began in 1882 on the second, two-story jail of native sandstone. The county dedicated the jail on December 10, 1884. Several . . . — — Map (db m195506) HM
About 1910 a railroad stop named Hovey was established about 40 miles west of here on the Kansas City, Mexico, and Orient Railroad. By 1913 Hovey contained a depot, post office/general store, and several stock shipping pens. Hovey school was . . . — — Map (db m138959) HM
Built 1870's of field stone. Herman Koehler in 1884 opened saloon at one end, general store and bank at other. Later second story was added. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966 — — Map (db m138960) HM
Built in 1878, Koehler's Store was a one-story masonry building. By 1884, the store had expanded to include a store, bank and saloon. The second floor was added in the 1930s as a WPA project. Today Pecos County owns the building and it serves as the . . . — — Map (db m201510) HM
On way to California from Tennessee in the 1850's Isaac J. and Sarah Isabella Rude settled in West Texas. In Davis Mountains, Rude built and operated a station for the Butterfield Overland Stage; here passengers had meals while mules were . . . — — Map (db m169377) HM
Kentucky native Oscar Waldo Williams (1853-1946) graduated from Harvard with a law degree in 1876 and moved to Texas in search of a drier climate. He worked as a land surveyor as the South Plains opened for settlement and in 1884 accepted a job as . . . — — Map (db m138961) HM
Located in the petroleum-rich Permian Basin, Pecos is one of the most prolific oil-and gas-producing counties in Texas. The petroleum business here began about 1900 with the drilling of the Turney well near an ancient "seep", a traditional local . . . — — Map (db m138962) HM
Burial ground for soldiers stationed at Fort Stockton and for civilians in the little town that grew up around the post. The fort was established 1859; temporarily closed 1861-1867.
Troops here protected the San Antonio-San Diego mail line and . . . — — Map (db m82348) HM
The U.S. Army first built the eastern end of the oldest remaining school building to house Western Union telegraph station. The remainder of the building was constructed and used as one-room school house with 18 students and teacher Jessie Williams. . . . — — Map (db m201502) HM
One of Fort Stockton's earliest remaining homes, the "Oldest House", is believed to have been built between 1855 and 1860 to serve as quarters for Camp Stockton's sutler (civilian merchant) J. D. Holiday. The "U" shaped footprint is typical of adobe . . . — — Map (db m186258) HM
Only reminder of first Fort Stockton, founded 1859. Was part of old St. Gall townsite. Had thatched roof, adobe walls. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1966
Preservation efforts made possible by donations in honor of Clayton . . . — — Map (db m186264) HM
Formed from Presidio County
Created May 3, 1871
Organized March 9, 1875
On March 9, 1875, the following
county officers were elected:
George M. Frazer, Chief Justice
Cesario Torres, Commissioner
Francis Rooney, Commissioner . . . — — Map (db m136354) HM
In 1875 Pecos County was officially organized and St. Gall, later named Fort Stockton, was designated as its seat of government. The current Pecos County Courthouse is the fourth since the county's founding. The first (1875) was officially . . . — — Map (db m186249) HM
Pecos County is the only county in Texas that is a top ten producer of renewable energy, oil, and natural gas. The first large utility grade wind farms in Texas were constructed in the Fort Stockton, Pecos County area in 2000/2001. The farms are . . . — — Map (db m201393) HM
Lest We Forget
A.J. Campbell • Robert P. Murchison • J.C. Daugherty • Paul Pace • Miguel V. Franco • Guillermo Garcia • James Parks • Jose Pena • D.M. Garvin • Eulogio C. Rodriguez • C.W. Johnson • Jose F. Rodriguez • Howard Johnson • . . . — — Map (db m201474) WM
Used as a watering place and camping ground by Indians since pre-Columbian times, the springs were possibly visited about 1536 by Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca on his wanderings through Texas. The expedition of Juan de Mendoza, with his party of . . . — — Map (db m201800) HM
Established on the Comanche Trail, March 23, 1859, as a protection to the San Antonio-San Diego mail route. Named in honor of Commodore Robert Field Stockton, 1795-1866, who captured California for the United States. A stage stand on the San Diego . . . — — Map (db m84320) HM
St. Joseph Catholic Church is an adobe structure that was erected to house worship services in 1875 for the Catholic population. In 1874, three acres of land near Comanche Springs were donated to the Catholic Church for the purpose of constructing a . . . — — Map (db m201472) HM
Efforts to establish a Catholic church in the area began shortly after the Civil War when Fort Stockton was reoccupied by United States troops. The first services were conducted in 1872 by Father Claude Jaillet and Father Adolfo Guichon. . . . — — Map (db m138963) HM
Originally constructed at Pecos (54 mi. NW) in 1896, this building served the congregation of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. In 1958 it was sold to members of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Fort Stockton and moved to this site. Located on property . . . — — Map (db m80279) HM
St. Stephens Episcopal Church is one of the oldest Protestant churches west of the Pecos River. Originally, the church was constructed as St. Mark's Church in Pecos in 1896. The church was moved to its present location in 1958 at the south end of . . . — — Map (db m201511) HM
First school in area, 1883. Smaller structure served as first office for Army telegraph line which arrived in 1876. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966 — — Map (db m201503) HM
The great movement into the West was truly one of the one of the most interesting periods of this nation's history. The period of time between the 1840's to the 1890's represent one of the greatest movements of humanity we will ever see in this . . . — — Map (db m201394) HM
Military presence began here with the establishment of Camp Stockton in 1858 by troops of the 1st and 8th Infantry, US Army. It was named for Commodore Robert Field Stockton, a naval officer who distinguished himself during the Mexican War. This . . . — — Map (db m201375) HM
Enlisted men, the work force of the fort, lived in five adobe barracks on this side of the parade ground. Fort Stockton had both foot soldiers (infantry) and mounted soldiers (cavalry).
During the fort's early years, the soldiers patrolled the . . . — — Map (db m201532) HM
The Comanche War Trail: Every September since the late 18th century, around the full moon or "Comanche Moon," the Great Comanche War Trail, which came directly through the town where you stand today, brought huge numbers of Comanches on a . . . — — Map (db m201373) HM
Replica of San Antonio and San Diego overland stage coach stop. This building was constructed of the stone from the original site which is ½ mile south-east of this location near Tunis Springs. The remains of a large Comanche Indian camp still . . . — — Map (db m73308) HM
The Fort Stockton Visitor Center is located in the original Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railroad Depot constructed in 1911. The city secured the depot in 1991 and rehabbed the building to become the community’s official “Tourism Center.” The . . . — — Map (db m195507) HM
F.W. (Billy) Young opened "Young's Store" in 1876, as depicted on the transom. The building housed an officer's club and had living quarters for laundresses from the fort. The retired Sergeant Frederick William Young purchased the building and the . . . — — Map (db m201509) HM
Zero Stone Park, located south of the Pecos County Courthouse, is the home of the "Zero Stone", which is the center of the plaza of St. Gall. All lots in St. Gall are referenced to this position. The date on the stone is 1847; however the stone was . . . — — Map (db m201471) HM
Here crossed the undated Comanche Trail from Llano Estacado to Mexico. In 1850 John R. Bartlett while surveying the Mexican boundary found the crossing marked by skulls of horses; hence the name “Horse Head”. The Southern Overland Mail . . . — — Map (db m53225) HM
In the mid-19th century, stagecoach lines were a primary means of moving people, mail and supplies through the region. The U.S. government contracted with Henry Skillman for the San Antonio-El Paso Stage line in 1851. In this area, the route ran . . . — — Map (db m150327) HM
In 1922 three local businessmen, O. W. Parker, George Thompson, and I. G. Yates, leased the drilling rights on twenty sections of ranch land to Transcontinental Oil Company. After two dry holes were drilled the I. G. Yates Well No. 1 blew in on . . . — — Map (db m150326) HM
Opening one of greatest oil fields in the world, Mid-Kansas Oil and Gas Company (a subsidiary wholly owned by the Ohio Oil Company, whose name has now been changed to Marathon Oil Company) brought in the I. G. Yates "A" No. 1 well on October 29, . . . — — Map (db m150325) HM
Spanish explorers traveled Indian trails here in the Pecos River Valley as early as 1590. Later, U.S. Cavalry, a camel train, and stage and mail lines between San Antonio and San Diego, California, used the route.
Nearby Pecos Spring attracted . . . — — Map (db m138875) HM
