John S. Chisum, Confederate Beef Contractor
Historical marker location:(1824-1884) On this site during the Civil War and later, grazed by tens of thousands the Longhorns of cattle baron John S. Chisum. Ranch headquarters were 10 miles east. Here in 1863-1865, Chisum not only ranched but also was buyer of cattle to feed Confederate armies stationed west of the Mississippi River.
Born in Tennessee, he came to the Republic of Texas in 1837. After a term as Lamar County clerk, started ranching in 1853. For room to expand, moved his well known "Jingle - Bob" herds to the Concho in 1863.
Though he was not the man who gave the name to the famed northbound trail (this was Jesse Chisolm) John S. Chisum's drives were heroic. Herds bound in wartime for Louisiana army camps had to by-pass or to fight Indians, rustlers and occasionally a federal patrol. Concho cattle had to swim across the deep, cold Brazos River. Here cowboys would prod a heavy, wild bull till he was angry; then he would turn on men and horses. Or the Brazos itself killed men and horses. Still beef went through to the Confederates.
After the war, Chisum developed ranches in New Mexico and was a bystander in the Lincoln County Wars of Billy the Kid and other desperados. (1965)
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.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
In the early 1800s, Concho County was still largely unsettled, but with the establishment of the Republic of Texas in 1836, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive. This led to conflicts with the Native American tribes, culminating in the Battle of Dove Creek in 1865, when Texas Rangers and local militia fought against Comanche warriors.
By the late 19th century, Concho County's economy relied on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. The rise of the railroad in the region further facilitated trade and transportation, leading to the growth of small towns like Paint Rock and Eden. Concho County's population continued to increase steadily throughout the 20th century.
Today, Concho County is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With its picturesque landscapes, including the Concho River and vast grasslands, the county attracts visitors for outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and bird-watching. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through local museums, historic buildings, and annual events, showcasing the rich heritage of the region.
Concho County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Concho County, Texas.
- 1858 - Concho County is created from parts of Bexar, Travis, and Young counties.
- 1875 - First post office is established in Concho County.
- 1882 - The town of Paint Rock is founded.
- 1886 - The town of Eden is established.
- 1889 - The town of Eola is founded.
- 1889 - The town of Millersview is established.
- 1889 - A public water system is installed in Concho County.
- 1890 - The town of Lowake is founded.
- 1892 - The town of Arden is established.
- 1895 - Oil is discovered in Concho County, leading to increased development.
- 1910 - Concho County has a population of over 5,000.
- 1936 - Concho County courthouse is built.
- 1941 - Paint Rock ISD is created.
- 1960s - Concho County experiences a decline in population due to agricultural changes.
- 1995 - The Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area is established in Concho County.