Historical Markers in
Palo Pinto County, Texas

Bethel Strawn Black Springs Black Springs Cemetery Brad Cemetery Charles Goodnight Civilian Conservation Corps at Possum Kingdom State Park Comanche Trail Through Palo Pinto County Courthouses of Palo Pinto County Dr. H.H. Milling Elmwood Cemetery Famous Mineral Water Company First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells First Baptist Church of Palo Pinto First Baptist Church of Santo First Christian Church First Christian Church of Mineral Wells (rej) George Rice Bevers Homesite George Webb Slaughter Hittson Cemetery Hittson Cemetery Home of Stephen Bethel Strawn James Nesbit Stuart House Jonathan Hamilton Baker Joseph Peter Davidson Mary Jane Gentry Mineral Wells Mineral Wells High School Mingus Baptist Church Morris Sheppard Dam and Possum Kingdom Lake Mount Marion Cemetery Old Camp Wolters Old County Jail Old Mineral Wells Post Office Palo Pinto Cemetery Palo Pinto County Palo Pinto Methodist Church Pickwick-McAdams Cemetery Reuben Vaughan Robinson School Rock Schoolhouse Sam Savage, Captive of the Comanches Santo East Cemetery Simpson Crawford Site of Snake Saloon Site of the Home of Oliver Loving in 1855 Strawn Strawn City Hall Strawn Drugstore Sturdivant Community & Cemetery Thomas House Weatherford, Mineral Wells & Northwestern Railway Depot William Whipple Johnson
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Palo Pinto County, located in North Central Texas, has a rich and unique history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa, who roamed the land until European settlers arrived. In 1854, Palo Pinto County was officially established by the Texas state legislature.

The county's name, Palo Pinto, translates to "painted stick" in Spanish, referencing the colorful stripes found on the trees by early Spanish explorers. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the 1850s, primarily from the Southern United States, bringing with them cattle ranching and farming traditions that would shape the county's economy.

During the Civil War, Palo Pinto County was divided, with many residents joining the Confederate cause while others remained loyal to the Union. The war brought violence and conflicts to the area, and several battles and skirmishes took place within the county's borders.

After the war, Palo Pinto County experienced a period of growth and development. Railroads were constructed, connecting the county to larger markets for its agricultural products, and industries such as coal mining and oil drilling began to thrive. Today, Palo Pinto County continues to be primarily rural and agriculturally focused, with a mix of small towns and ranches nestled within its picturesque landscapes.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Palo Pinto County, Texas.

  • Palo Pinto County was created in 1856 from Bosque and Navarro counties.
  • In the 1860s, the county saw growth due to the cattle industry and the establishment of small communities.
  • The county was affected by the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865.
  • In 1872, the county seat was moved from Golconda to Palo Pinto.
  • In the late 1800s, the county experienced economic growth due to the oil boom.
  • In 1920, the construction of Possum Kingdom Dam began, leading to the formation of Possum Kingdom Lake.
  • Throughout the 20th century, the county continued to grow and develop, with an emphasis on agriculture, ranching, and oil production.
  • Today, Palo Pinto County remains a vibrant community with a rich history and diverse economy.