Pratt, Wallace, Lodge
At jct. of N and S branch of McKittrick Canyon, Gaudalupe Mountain National Park, TXWallace E. Pratt, a world-renowned geologist who pioneered the techniques of scientific oil exploration, began construction of a summer place at this site in 1930. As a geologist he recognized the scientific value of the Capitan Barrier Fossil Reef, but purchased the McKittrick Canyon property for its aesthetic qualities, stating that natural beauty in itself is a resource to be valued. An avid conservationist, he was a vigorous proponent of techniques designed to conserve oil and gas resources, and when he began ranching the McKittrick Canyon property upon his retirement from the business world he exhibited no less concern for the ecology of the area. A pioneer in the field of ecological concern, he was 20 years ahead of his time. When health forced his departure from McKittrick Canyon, his concern that the area is preserved in its natural state prompted his donation of the initial 5,632 acres which formed the nucleus of what was to become Guadalupe Mountain, National Park.
The architecture of the structures reflects Mr. Pratt's philosophies. Of simple design and pleasing proportions, the structure is constructed almost entirely of native stone. The indigenous character of the structures harmonizes beautifully with the setting and they are therefore worthy of preservation on the basis of their architectural merit alone, to say nothing of the significance of their association with Mr. Pratt.
Local significance of the building:
The architecture of the structures reflects Mr. Pratt's philosophies. Of simple design and pleasing proportions, the structure is constructed almost entirely of native stone. The indigenous character of the structures harmonizes beautifully with the setting and they are therefore worthy of preservation on the basis of their architectural merit alone, to say nothing of the significance of their association with Mr. Pratt.
Science; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
About Culberson County
Culberson County Timeline
Culberson County, Texas, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American groups, such as the Apache and Comanche tribes, who roamed the vast expanses of land. These tribes hunted the abundant wildlife and adapted to the harsh desert environment.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century brought significant changes to the region. The Spanish established missions and presidios in the area, seeking to convert the Native Americans to Christianity and establish control over the land. However, conflicts between the Spanish settlers and the indigenous peoples were common, and the region remained relatively unpopulated.
In the mid-19th century, the region that is now Culberson County became part of the United States after the Texas Revolution. The county itself was established in 1911, named after David B. Culberson, a prominent Texan lawyer and politician. At this time, the area was primarily used for ranching, with cattle grazing on the grasslands.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to a boom in Culberson County's economy. The establishment of oil fields and drilling operations brought an influx of workers and boosted the local population. However, the oil industry faced ups and downs, with periods of prosperity followed by decline.
Today, Culberson County continues to be primarily rural, with a small population. The county's economy is based on agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The vast and rugged landscape of Culberson County attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who come to explore the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and experience its stunning desert beauty.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century brought significant changes to the region. The Spanish established missions and presidios in the area, seeking to convert the Native Americans to Christianity and establish control over the land. However, conflicts between the Spanish settlers and the indigenous peoples were common, and the region remained relatively unpopulated.
In the mid-19th century, the region that is now Culberson County became part of the United States after the Texas Revolution. The county itself was established in 1911, named after David B. Culberson, a prominent Texan lawyer and politician. At this time, the area was primarily used for ranching, with cattle grazing on the grasslands.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to a boom in Culberson County's economy. The establishment of oil fields and drilling operations brought an influx of workers and boosted the local population. However, the oil industry faced ups and downs, with periods of prosperity followed by decline.
Today, Culberson County continues to be primarily rural, with a small population. The county's economy is based on agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The vast and rugged landscape of Culberson County attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who come to explore the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and experience its stunning desert beauty.
Culberson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Culberson County, Texas.
- 1911 - Culberson County is established.
- 1927 - The town of Van Horn is incorporated.
- 1942 - Construction of the Van Horn Army Airfield begins.
- 1969 - Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin visit Van Horn during a nationwide tour.
- 2006 - Jeff Bezos purchases land in Culberson County for his private aerospace company, Blue Origin.