Texas Pecos Trail Region

12/01/2025

A Texas legend! In 1963 Wolfman Jack began broadcasting from XERF-AM in Del Rio. The transmitter was across the border in Mexico with 250 thousand watts of power which sent his show across the US & if the atmosphere was right to Europe! 😁😎❤️ The Wolfman Robert Weston Smith (January 21, 1938 – July 1, 1995) had an amazing career for over three decades.

29/12/2024

On this day in 1926, the first producing oil well in Ector County was brought in on the W. E. Connell ranch, southwest of the county seat of Odessa. Its limited production of twenty barrels a day did not bring about an immediate boom, but with the opening of Penn Field in 1929 and Cowden Field in 1930, Odessa became an established oil center and grew rapidly. In 1925, just prior to the discovery of oil, the town's population was 750; by 1929 it had risen to 5,000. As the demand for oil grew during World War II the population exceeded 10,000, and Odessa became the world's largest inland petrochemical complex. By 2016 the city's population had grown to approximately 120,000.

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28/12/2024

The Maverick County Courthouse in Eagle Pass was designed by architects James Wahrenberger and Albert Beckmann in 1885. This impressive structure combines Romanesque Revival and Second Empire styles, making it truly unique.

The courthouse features a two-story brick design that is now covered in stucco. Its rounded corners give it a softer appearance, while a tall clock tower, added in 1916 for $845, stands out as a key feature. The windows are tall and narrow, with decorative arches above them, and the roof has an ornamental edge that adds to its charm. There are also two lower sections on either side of the main building, enhancing its overall look.

In recent years, the courthouse underwent a major eight-year restoration that was completed in 2005. This careful renovation uncovered many original design details, including a decorative paint scheme featuring colors like ochre, green, and blue. The interior showcases intricate stenciling with patterns of flowers and other designs, along with hand-painted techniques that mimic the appearance of wood.

Learn more about how we the THC preserves these historic structures: https://bit.ly/txcourthouses

27/12/2024

19/12/2024

Thoughts and prayers for the community of Pecos, Texas tonight.

04/12/2024

On this day in 1928, Carl G. (the Big Swede) Cromwell drilled the world's deepest oil well. In the wake of his 1923 success with the famed Santa Rita No. 1, Cromwell had become drilling superintendent of the Texon Company's rapidly expanding field on University of Texas land in Reagan County. He also acquired his own leases and became known as an honest, generous, free-spirited wildcatter. In association with company engineer Clayton W. Williams, Cromwell experimented in drilling deeper than the average 3,000 feet. In 1926 Williams located a site and Cromwell's crews began work. In late November 1928, because of mounting expenses and problems, Cromwell was directed to shut down. Instead, he disregarded orders, went into hiding, and kept drilling. On December 4, at 8,525 feet, University 1-B came in. It remained the world's deepest oil well until 1931, the same year in which Cromwell died in an automobile accident.

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02/12/2024

Meet Charles and Lucy White, pioneers of the Permian Basin!
Their home, the White-Pool House in Odessa, Texas, stands as a symbol of resilience, community, and the spirit of the frontier. Built in 1887, this beautifully preserved structure tells the story of early settlers shaping the future of West Texas.

Explore the region’s rich heritage through their legacy—visit the White-Pool House and step into the past. authentictexas.com/whitepoolhouse/

20/11/2024

Thank you Sutton County Historical Society and especially Tammy T. Fisher for our wonderful meeting last week in Sonora. We had lots of fun watching the sheep get cleaned up for the winter and everyone loved spending time with Sparkle.

12/11/2024

How exciting one of the newest State Parks is getting closer.

26/10/2024

It has been a great week in the Texas Pecos Trail Region. We welcomed the Texas Historical Commission staff and Commissioners for their quarterly meeting on Wednesday with tours of Bush Family Home State Historic Site, Museum of the Southwest - Midland, Texas, Petroleum Museum, and the WhitePool Historic Home in Odessa. Thank you to all our great partners who helped us showcase some of our history of the two cities. Thank you Discover Odessa for all your help and planning. It was a huge success.

Then on Saturday was the Horsehead Crossing event. A day of remembering all those who.crossed the Pecos River.

14/10/2024

I had a great weekend helping with the appreciation lunch for the land owners that work so well with the Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center in Comstock, TX. I am truly blessed to have so many great partners in the Texas Pecos Trail Region.

10/10/2024

Welcome to Stanton, TX. Home of 3,000 Friendly People and a few Old Soreheads!

10/10/2024

Oct 25-26, 2024
Horsehead Crossing Historic Days. One of the Iconic Sites in Texas History. Free and Open to the Public.

30/09/2024

Another day at the State Fair of Texas. Come see me in the Texas Heritage Trails booth in the GO TEXAN PAVILION.

25/09/2024

We are excited to announce that Fort Lancaster will be conducting guided tours every Thursday and Saturday at 10 AM!

Each tour lasts approximately 1 Hour and provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history of this incredible site. Tours will include an in-depth look of our visitor center, a guided exploration of the fort's ruins, and an immersive experience which brings to life the stories of the past, from military engagements to everyday frontier life!

Please note that tours will not be held on October 10th and 17th. Regular tours will occur on all other Thursdays and Saturdays. We appreciate your understanding! Please call ahead to confirm availability on other dates and to make the most of your visit.

Plan your visit to Fort Lancaster today!

11/09/2024

27/08/2024

Authentic Texas Trost Trail Far West Texas Tour! From El Paso to Marfa, immerse yourself in architectural marvels, stunning landscapes, and the unique history of the Texas Mountain Trail Region while enjoying luxurious stays in historic Trost Hotels.

15/08/2024

Join us tomorrow, Friday 16th, at 11AM for a Facebook Live where we will be showcasing the uniforms, equipment, and arms of the US Army in the mid-1800s!

Being stationed on the frontier was difficult and full of its dangers. However, the soldiers at Fort Lancaster were resilient and equipped to endure the harsh realities of the frontier. Join us for an in-depth look at the clothes they wore, the equipment they carried, and the weapons they used!