White-Pool House
Historical marker location:Charles White (1824-1905) moved his family here from Indiana seeking new business opportunities and a drier climate for his wife's health. With the aid of his sons Wilfred Walton White and Herbert Haughton White, he constructed this two-story brick residence in 1887, four years before the organization of Ector County. They modeled the home after their house in Indiana, adapting the style to the available building materials of the area. White farmed his 640-acre tract and also owned a mercantile store on the courthouse square.
White's original tract, sold following his death, was divided by later real state transactions. In 1923 the house and fifty acres were purchased by Oso William Pool (B.1891) who had homesteaded land in New Mexico prior to his service in world war I.
During the housing shortage created by the area oil boom of 1927, pool converted his residence into sale as individual lots. Later that year he married Helen Augutha Voss and they occupied the front part of the house. They moved in 1929, but member of the Pool family retained possession of the home until Oso Pool donated it to the county in 1977.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980
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 known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.