Camp Montel, C.S.A.
Historical marker location:Site 25 mi. West on Hy. 470, 1 mi. South. Established 1862 as part of Red River-Rio Grande defense line. Named for Captain Charles DeMontel, surveyor and colonizer of Bandera, leader of county defenses. Occupied by troops of Texas frontier regiment who furnished their own guns and mounts but often lacked food, clothing, supplies. In 1860 Bandera County's population was 399. Although all the men were needed to defend the county from Indians, many joined the Confederate and State troops. Some went to protect the Texas Coast from Union invasion. Many were assigned to defend the frontier in this region. Scouting parties and patrols managed to effectively curb Indian raids until war's end.
Texas had 2,000 miles of coastline and frontier to defend from Union attack, Indian raids, marauders, bandits from Mexico. Defense lines were set to give maximum protection with the few men left in the state. One line stretched from El Paso to Brownsville. Another, including Camp Montel, had stations a day's horseback ride apart from Red River to Rio Grande. Former U.S. Forts used by scouting parties lay in a line between. Behind these lines and to the east organized militia, citizens' posses.
1964
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
The first recorded settlement in Bandera County was established in 1852 by John James and Charles DeMontel. The town of Bandera was soon founded, and in 1856, Bandera County was officially created. The county was named after the nearby Bandera Pass, a mountain pass that was used by early Spanish explorers as a trail marker.
During the 19th century, Bandera County became an important center for ranching and agriculture. The fertile land and abundant water sources made it an ideal location for raising cattle and farming. The region quickly developed a reputation for its strong cowboy and ranching culture.
In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in nearby counties brought economic prosperity to Bandera County. Numerous oil wells were drilled, and the area experienced a boom in population and development. Despite the decline of the oil industry in later years, Bandera County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, known for its historic downtown, natural beauty, and western heritage.
Today, Bandera County remains a charming rural community that celebrates its rich history and maintains its Western traditions. Visitors can explore the numerous historic sites, museums, and cowboy-themed events, immersing themselves in the county's unique culture and heritage.
Bandera County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bandera County, Texas.
- 1856 - Bandera County is created from parts of Bexar, Uvalde, Medina, and Kerr counties.
- Late 1850s - Settlers begin to establish homesteads and ranches in the area.
- 1870 - The first courthouse is built in Bandera, the county seat.
- Late 1870s - The population booms due to the expansion of the cattle industry.
- 1891 - The Bandera County Courier newspaper is founded.
- 1933 - The Bandera Electric Cooperative is formed to bring electricity to rural areas.
- 1940s - Ranching and farming become the primary economic activities in the county.
- 1975 - Bandera becomes the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and hosts the first Cowboy Capital Rodeo.
- 2002 - The Bandera County Library is opened.