Site of Homestead of William C. Sublett
Historical marker location:Born 1835 in Alabama. Moved to north Texas before the civil war, in which he served as a confederate.
After his wife died in 1874, he went to the Texas frontier to hunt Buffalo, taking his three young children with him. In 1881-1882 he supplied game to Texas & Pacific Railroad construction crews. (such hunting was important to development of west Texas and to transcontinental railroad construction).
Settling later in Odessa, Sublett built near this site a dogout-and-tent home, and homesteaded a 160 acre claim. To support his family, he hauled wood and "Water-Witched" to locate wells for settlers.
In the 1880's he attracted notice by using gold nuggets to trade for supplies. In explanation, he said an Apache Indian had directed him to a mine in the Guadalupe Mountains, about 150 miles west of here. Periodically he disappeared and returned with gold, but efforts to follow him to the mine always failed. He once took his young son there, but the boy could not find the way later. in 1889, Sublett sold his Ector County property. He died Jan. 6, 1892, in Barstow, without disclosing the location of his mine. However, stories of his treasure still lure explorers into the Guadalupe Mountains.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967
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 state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
The county's history took a major turn in 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Railway reached the area. This led to the establishment of the town of Odessa, which would later become the county seat. The area experienced a boom in population and economic growth, thanks to the development of the railroad and the discovery of oil in the early 20th century.
Ector County played a significant role in the oil boom of West Texas. The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin in the late 1920s transformed the region into one of the largest oil-producing areas in the United States. This led to a rapid increase in population and the development of oil-related industries. The county's economy became heavily reliant on oil, with many residents working in the oil fields or related industries.
In recent years, Ector County has continued to see growth and development. The region has diversified its economy to include industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. As the county seat, Odessa has become a vibrant city with a thriving arts and cultural scene. Today, Ector County is known for its rich history, oil heritage, and its contributions to the energy industry.
Ector County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Ector County, Texas.
- 1880 - Ector County is established and named after Confederate General Mathew Ector.
- 1889 - Odessa, the county seat, is founded as a water stop and trading post for the Texas and Pacific Railway.
- 1927 - The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin leads to a population boom in Ector County.
- 1935 - Odessa becomes a city and experiences rapid growth due to the oil industry.
- 1951 - The University of Texas Permian Basin is founded in Odessa.
- 1970 - Ector County's population surpasses 100,000 residents.