Apache Pass River Crossing
Historical marker location:APACHE PASS RIVER CROSSING
THE CROSSING OVER THE SAN XAVIER (SAN GABRIEL) RIVER IN MILAM COUNTY HAS BEEN USED AS A PASSAGEWAY FOR CENTURIES. EVIDENCE SHOWS THAT THE AREA HAS BEEN INHABITED BY HUMANS FOR AT LEAST 10,000 YEARS. DURING THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY, THE LAND WAS INHABITED BY NUMEROUS NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES, INCLUDING THE APACHES. TRIBES RELIED HEAVILY ON THE PLENTIFUL WATER SUPPLY FOR AGRICULTURE AND HUNTING. IN THE MID-1700s SPANISH EXPLORERS SAW THE APACHE PASS AS A PRACTICAL LOCATION FOR MISSIONS BECAUSE OF “THE FACT THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL WIDE VALLEYS SUITABLE FOR IRRIGATION…PLENTY OF WOOD, A LOT OF STONE…” EVEN THOUGH THE APACHES MADE IT CLEAR THEY DID NOT WISH FOR THE MISSIONS TO BE BUILT IN THIS AREA, THE SPANISH SELECTED APACHE PASS AS THE MOST DESIRABLE LOCATION.
THE GRAVEL BAR ACROSS THE RIVER MADE IT EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY HORSEBACK OR WAGON. THREE MISSIONS AND A PRESIDIO WERE BUILT IN THE AREA SURROUNDING APACHE PASS AND WERE UTILIZED BETWEEN 1746 AND 1757. BECAUSE OF THIS, APACHE PASS BECAME A HUB FOR SPANISH EXPLORERS AND SETTLERS. AFTER THE MISSIONS WERE CLOSED, THE AREA CONTINUED TO ATTRACT PIONEERS BUILDING HOMES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER BECAUSE OF ITS FERTILE SOIL AND FRESH WATER SUPPLY. IN 1913, A BRIDGE WAS BUILT ACROSS THE RIVER AND TRAFFIC TRANSFERRED TO IT. DURING RESTORATION OF THE BRIDGE, TRAVELERS WERE, AGAIN, USING THE GRAVEL BAR TO TRAVERSE THE RIVER. IN 2004, THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AUTHORIZED THE DESIGNATION OF A HISTORIC TRAIL IN TEXAS. EL CAMINO REAL DE LOS TEJAS NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL WAS RECOGNIZED AND THE APACHE PASS RIVER CROSSING BECAME A PART OF IT AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.
(2012)
MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
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.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
In 1825, the Mexican government issued land grants in the region, attracting a wave of American immigrants to the area. In 1834, the Mexican government designated Milam County as a separate municipality, and it was named after Benjamin Rush Milam, a prominent Texas revolutionary. After the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region experienced continuous growth and development.
During the mid-19th century, agriculture became the primary industry in Milam County, with cotton being the dominant crop. Many plantations were established, relying on slave labor until the abolition of slavery in 1865. The county also saw the establishment of several small towns, including Cameron, Rockdale, and Buckholts, which served as centers of trade and commerce.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the arrival of the railroad played a significant role in the county's development. The expansion of rail lines allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, boosting the local economy. The county experienced periods of prosperity and setbacks, including the Great Depression, but managed to rebound and adapt to changing economic conditions.
Today, Milam County remains an agricultural hub, known for its production of cotton, corn, and livestock. It is also home to scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and a vibrant community that values its history and heritage. The county continues to evolve, embracing new opportunities while preserving its cultural roots.
Milam County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Milam County, Texas.
- 1824 - Milam County is part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas
- 1837 - The Republic of Texas establishes Milam County as a separate entity
- 1846 - Milam County is officially part of the state of Texas after the Texas Annexation
- 1860s - Milam County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to the railroad expansion
- 1874 - Cameron is selected as the county seat of Milam County
- 1940s-1950s - Milam County becomes an important hub for oil and gas production
- 1960s-1970s - Milam County faces economic decline due to the decrease in oil and gas production
- 1990s - Milam County experiences some economic revitalization through tourism and the establishment of new industries