History

Cole, Mrs. Lillie
Marker #: 2512 Marker Title: Mrs. Lillie W. Cole Address: Cedar & 1st Street City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Location: Cedar & 1st Street (West of Pecos Museum) Marker Size: 14" by 24"
Outstanding and dedicated teacher; public benefactor. Born in Lavernia, Texas. Came to Pecos, 1906, with husband Wylie Moffitt Cole. They had two daughters. Widowed in 1912, started teaching career which lasted for 27 years. (1968)

Emigrant's Crossing
Marker #: 1473 Marker Title: Emigrant's Crossing Address: Cedar & 1st Streets City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1972 Marker Location: Cedar & 1st Streets (West of the Pecos Museum) Marker Size: 18" by 28"
One of the few spots where pioneer travelers could cross the Pecos River by fording. At Emigrants' Crossing, the deep, treacherous river flows over exposed rock. It is one of only three fords in a 60-mile segment of the stream, and was the one favored by parties migrating in 1849 from the eastern United States to west coast gold fields. Often called the California Emigrants' Crossing, or the Red River Trail crossing, it was also the one used in 1858 by coaches of Butterfield Overland Mail, which had an adobe station and a high-walled adobe corral there. (1972)

First Baptist Church of Pecos City
Marker #: 1662 Marker Title: First Baptist Church of Pecos City Address: 5th & Hickory Street City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1985 Marker Location: Fifth & Hickory Street, Pecos Marker size: 27" by 42"
The Rev. Sumner Battle Callaway (1852-1952) led the organization of this Baptist church in 1885 and served as its first pastor. Callaway had come to Texas from Georgia and had been Rev. Richard Hubbard's private secretary and a lawyer before entering the ministry. The eight charter members included Callaway, A. M. and Sallie Harris Walthall, and Mrs. Colvin. The congregation's first church building was completed in 1887. A larger sanctuary was built in 1910, during the pastorate of the Rev. J. B. Cole (1858-1947). The First Baptist Church of Pecos City was member of the Sweetwater Baptist Association from 1886 until 1902, when the El Paso association was organized here. It later became part of the Pecos Valley association. Over the years, the fellowship has been served by a number of prominent pastors, including the Rev. L.. R. Millican who preached on the west Texas frontier for more than 50 years. The First Baptist Church of Pecos City has been active in home and foreign missionary work and has placed a great emphasis on community service.

First Christian Church
Marker #: 1701 Marker Title: First Christian Church Address: Elm & 5th Street City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1975 Marker Location: Elm & 5th Street - Pecos Marker Size: 27" by 42"
This congregation grew out of a community Sunday School begun by Mrs. Peyton Parker in the Parker Hotel in 1881. One participant, pharmacist B. P. Van Horn (1852-1932), arranged a revival in 1891 that resulted in formation of the First Christian Church, the first church to be organized in Pecos. Van Horn acted as lay leader- since there was no minister. When he left in 1895, the church disbanded until Mer. Ed Vicker (1870-1950 and Mrs. R. D. Gage started a Ladies Aid Society in 1898. The society planned another revival which reactivated the fellowship. In 1899 lawyer R. D. Gage donated land for construction of a small sanctuary. One new member who joined the congregation during this period was Dr. Jim Camp (1870-1921), who served Pecos as a physician for over 60 years. In 1905 the Rev. Homer Magee (1882-1921) became full-time pastor. That same year, the church building was moved to this site. Plans for the present structure was made in 1908, after a revival led by the Rev. J. L. Haddock. In 1909 the contractor E. B. Kisser completed this edifice, the oldest brick church building in Pecos. Educational facilities were added during pastorates of the Rev. Dr. Oliver Harrison, 1934-41, and the Rev. Earl Bissex, 1952. Recent remodeling was completed in 1974, under the leadership of the Rev. Clark Ford. (1975)

Mentone
Marker #: 3339 Marker Title: Mentone Address: Us 285 & SH 302, about 21 miles south of Orla City: Orla County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Location: On Us 285 at intersection with SH 302, 21 miles south of Orla Marker Size: 18" by 28" Repairs Needed: None - needs replacing
Only town in Loving County, last organized, most sparsely populated (both in total and per square mile) county in Texas. Established 1931 and named for an earlier town (10 miles north) which legend says was named by a French surveyor-prospector after his home on the Riviera. With population of 42, Mentone has no water system, (water is hauled in). Nor does it have a bank, doctor, hospital, newspaper, lawyer, civic club or cemetery. There are only two recorded graves in the county. Some Indian skeletons, artifacts are found. Oil, farming, cattle county. (1967)

Mission Mary
Marker Number: 16611 Atlas Number: 5507016611 Marker Title: Mission Mary City: Balmorhea Marker Year: 2010 Recorded Texas Historic Landmark: Yes Marker Location: 1 mile west of Toyah Creek on FM 3078 Marker Condition: In Situ Marker Size: RTHL medallion and 16" x 12" plaque
Mission Mary from 1895 to 1935, Father Nicholas Brocardus Eiken served several mission stations in this region, including Mission Mary, established by 1902 in the Calera Community. The original adobe and rubble sanctuary was built in 1925 and featured pillars, which were removed when the building was plastered in the 1940s. The rectangular plan church features a bell tower and a low pitch roof with exposed rafter tails. Today, most of the area's small missions have disappeared, as has Calera. Mission Mary stands as a monument to area settlements and to the churches and the residents they served. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2010

Neighbors - Ford Trail, Vicinity of Significance
Marker #: 5648 Marker Title: Vicinity of Significant Neighbors Ford Trail Address: US 285 N side of Pecos City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1966 Marker Location: In Roadside Park on US 285, Northern City Limits of Pecos Marker Size: 18" by 28"
First wagon road to El Paso from Austin. Opened 1849 by Maj. Robert S. Neighbors and Dr. John S. "Rip" Ford, Texas Rangers and leading statesmen. With Indian guides Jim Shaw (a Delaware) and Guadeloupe (a Comanche), they left the Pecos, followed Toyah Creek to Davis Mountains, then went west to the Rio Grande. On the return past Guadalupe Peak, Pecos River and Horsehead Crossing, rations gave out and the ate roasted mescal roots, panther and horse meat. Their route had water and wood and became a great stage, military and emigrant road. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

Old Camp Hospital
Marker # 3699 Marker Title: Old Camp Hospital Address: 1703 W. 4th Street City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1966 Designation: Recorded Texas Historical Landmark Marker Location: Corner of 4th & Ross Streets Marker Size: Medallion & Plate
First permanent hospital in the Trans-Pecos area. Erected 1929 by pioneer physician and surgeon, Jim Camp, M.D. --"Texas Doctor of the Year" for 1950. "Dr. Jim" came to Pecos in 1900. In early days, he performed many operations using kitchen tables and other makeshift equipment. During 64 years of service, he strove to improve facilities, one of his goals being to build and to equip a modern hospital. Converted to office use 1954. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966.

Orient Hotel
Marker #: 3868 Marker Title: Orient Hotel Address: Cedar & 1st Street City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1964 Designation: Recorded Texas Historical Landmark Marker Location: Cedar & 1st Street (West of the Pecos Museum) Marker Size: Medallion and Plate
Front "Ft. Worth to El Paso" Saloon built 1896 of Pecos Valley red sandstone. Hotel opened 1907 by R. S. Johnson, owner Headquarters of land promoters, salesmen, families of settlers in early years of Pecos Valley development. Restored to House West of the Pecos Museum. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1964.

Orla
Marker #: 3876 Marker Title: Orla Address: US 285 City: Orla County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1965 Marker Location: On US 285, in front of Old Store in Orla Marker Size: 14" by 24"
Gateway to Red Bluff Lake, Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns recreational areas. Established 1890 on Pecos Valley Railroad. Developed during land promotions. Had school, general stores, hotel, livery stabile. In 1931 remaining merchant and postmaster Hal Old moved 1/4 west to new highway. (1965)

Pecos Cantaloupe
Marker #: 5397 Marker Title: The Pecos Cantaloupe Address: Cedar & 1st Street City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1970 Marker Location: Cedar & 1st Street (West of the Pecos Museum) Marker Size: 27" by 42"
Nationally famed melon, originated in this city. Residents from 1880s grew melons in gardens, noting sun and soil imparted a distinctive flavor. Madison L. Todd (March 22, 1975-Sept. 10/ 1967) and wife Julia (Jan. 30, 1880-Feb. 5, 1969) came here from east Texas and New Mexico. In 1917 Todd and partner, D. T. McKee, grew eight acres of melons, selling part of crop to dining cars of Texas & Pacific Railway, where Pecos cantaloupes first became popular and in wide demand. McKee soon quit business, but Todd remained a leader for 41 years. Famed lecturer Helen Keller, Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson and many other distinguished persons have ordered and appreciated Pecos cantaloupes. Exclusive clubs in New York, Chicago, St. Louis and other cities are regular clients of Pecos growers. Genuine Pecos cantaloupes begin ripening in July and continue on the market until late October. The varieties are the same as those grown in other areas. Climate, soil and special cultivation methods account for the distinctiveness of Pecos melons. 2,000 acres are now planted annually. M. L. Todd was known in his later years as father of the industry. He and his wife and family were leaders in civic and religious enterprises. (1970)

Pioneers Graveyard
Marker #4029 Marker Title: Pioneer Graveyard Address: E. A Street City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1966 Marker Location: East A Street (Co. Rd. 401) 2 blks. east of intersection of A Street & Locust Marker Size: 18" by 28"
Earliest Pecos landmark. Started with burial of men in hazardous work of building Texas & Pacific Railroad, 1881. Used over 30 years by settlers in the Pecos Valley. First markers, of native red stone or wood, have how been lost or effaced in sandstorms and floods. (1966)

Pope's Crossing
Marker #: 4071 Marker Title: Pope's Crossing Address: US 285, about 6 miles NW of Orla City: Orla County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1964 Marker Location: On US 285, about 6 miles NW or Orla Marker Size: 36" Centennial - Subject Marker (gray)
Crossing site was 4.9 miles northeast, in Loving County. Now under Red Bluff Lake (1964)

Red Bluff Dam
Marker #: 4216 Marker Title: Red Bluff Dam Address: About 3 miles north of Orla City: Orla County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1972 Marker Location: About 3 miles north of Orla Marker Size: 18" by 28"
Construction for irrigation and electrical power purposes during 1934--36, dam is located on Pecos River 8 miles south of Texas-New Mexico state line. It impounds an 11,700-acre lake occupying parts of Reeves and Loving counties, Texas and Eddy County, N. M. Floods first filled the reservoir in June 1937. Capacity is 310,000 acre feet of water. Main embankment - - 9, 230 feet long - - rises 105 feet above stream bed at highest point. Dam has top width of 25 feet. These waters irrigate about 140,000 acres, which extend for 100 miles along the Pecos River. (1972)

Reeves County
Marker #: 4227 Marker Title: Reeves Co. - Pecos, Texas Address: Cedar & 1st Streets City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Location: Cedar & 1st Street (West of Pecos Museum), Pecos Marker Size: 18" by 28"
Flat and grassy land with a moderate water supply from the Pecos River and springs in Toyah Valley. Yuma Indians are thought to have done irrigated farming here in 16th century. Mexicans later raised vegetables, grain.l Cattlemen moved in during the 1870's. Texas & Pacific Railway opened route to El Paso in 1882. Farmers, merchants, mechanics settled in Pecos City and Toyah. County with irrigated agriculture began about 1900. Only dam on Pecos River in Texas was built in this county 1935. Privately owned deep wells are also used. (1967)

Reeves, George R.
Marker #: 2158 Marker Title: George R. Reeves Address: 4th & Oak Streets City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1963 Marker Location: Courthouse Lawn, Corner of 4th & Oak Streets. Marker Size: Civil War Marker - pink granite
Organized, captained company in 11th Texas Cavalry at start of Civil War. Served in Arkansas, Indian Territory, Kentucky invasion of 1862. Assigned to Wheeler's Cavalry in Tennessee. Promoted colonel and command of 11th Cavalry, 1863. Led regiment Chickamauga. In 1864 fought in 100-day Atlanta campaign, guerilla warfare against Sherman's march to the sea, in battle at Savannah. In 1865 participated Carolinas campaign. A memorial to Texans who served the Confederacy. Erected by the state of Texas. 1963

San Solomon Springs
Marker #: 4557 Marker Title: San Solomon Spring Address: SH 117off I H -10 at Balmorhea State Park City: Balmorhea County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1964 Marker Location: SH 17, 4 miles south of 1-10 Marker size: 14" by 24"
Called "Mescalero Spring" in 1849, when watering corn and peaches of the Mescalero Apaches. To Ft. Davis soldiers, 1856, was "Head Spring". Present name given by first permanent settlers, Mexican farmer. Miller, Lyles and Murphy in 1871 began large-scale commercial irrigation. Murphy built first canals. (1964)

Spanish Explorers
Marker #: 4998 Marker Title: Spanish Explorers Address: Cedar & 1st Streets City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1966 Marker Location: Cedar & 1st Streets (West of the Pecos Museum), Pecos Marker Size: 18" by 28"
Antonio De Espejo in 1583, after exploring among pueblos in New Mexico, reached the Pecos River southeast of Santa Fe. He named it Rio de Las Vaca (river of cows), for the abundance of buffalo. On his return route to Mexico he went down the river to near the present town of Pecos. Jumano Indians led his party to their camp on Toyah Lake. He then went down Toyah Creek and through the Big Bend. While Espejo was first to explore the Pecos, Castano de Sosa, on his way into New Mexico in 1590, was the first European to travel its full length. (1966)

Toyah
Marker #: 5548 Marker Title: Toyah Address: I-20 & FM 2903 City: Toyah County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1964 Marker Location: At intersection of I-20 & FM 2903(behind Big Cactus State Park) Toyah Marker Size: 14" by 24"
Began as division point, 1881, on T. & P. Railway, with shops, roundhouse, hotel, cafe. Water was hauled from Monahans and sold by the barrel. Stage took passengers and mail to Brogado. 1882 cattle shipping brought cowboy-detective Charles Siringo here to look for rustlers. (1964)

West of the Pecos Museum
Marker #: 327 Date of last survey: 1994 Museum Name: West of the Pecos Museum Mailing Address: P O Box 784 City: Pecos County: Reeves Zip Code: 79772 Street Address: 1st & Highway 285 Phone: 432- 445-5076 Annual Attendance: 19,000 Director: General B. Prewitt Museum Classification: General, History, Historic Site, Non-Historic Structure, Historic Designation: Recorded Texas Historical Landmark

World's First Rodeo
Marker #: 5909 Marker Title: World's First Rodeo Address: Rodeo grounds at US 285 & Walthall Street City: Pecos County: Reeves Year Marker Erected: 1965 Marker Location: In front of the rodeo grounds at US 285 & Walthall Street, Pecos Marker Size: 18" by 28"
Held a block south of Pecos Courthouse, July 4, 1883. Started with claims of cattle outfits Lazy Y, N and W Ranch - - that each had fastest steer ropers. Settlers in town for Fourth of July picnic were spectators. The prizes were blue ribbons cut by pocket knife from new dress of a 4 year old girl in crowd. Best roper was Morg Livingston, of the Na. Trav Windham, Lazy Y was second. Other contestants: Fate Beard, Geo. Brookshire, John Chald, Jeff Chisum, Howard Collier, Jim Livingston, Jim Mannin, Henry Miller, Brawley Oates, Jim and Henry Slack, E. P. Stuckler (1965)