Historical Marker

Pioneer Stagecoach Stand Operators Mr. and Mrs. Isaac J. Rude

Historical marker location:
IH 10, W of Ft. Stockton, Ft. Stockton, Texas
( On Service Road side of I-10, about 8 miles West of Ft. Stockton)
Marker installed: 1967
Marker size: 27" x 42"

On way to California from Tennessee in the 1850's Isaac J. and Sarah Isabella Rude settled in West Texas. In Davis Mountains, Rude built and operated a station for the Butterfield Overland Stage; here passengers had meals while mules were unharnessed and exchanged for a fresh team. Soon Butterfield--the pioneer passenger and mail service (1858-1861) from St. Louis to California--had Rude move here to Ft. Stockton and build another stand. In 1859, when a stop was added at Leon water hole, 5 miles west of Ft. Stockton, Rude built and ran the stand there. Food there was best on the route, said a journalist.

Sarah Rude (1834-1916) carried a pistol under her apron, to protect her children. When Indians attacked the Davis Mountains stand, the men loaded guns and handed them to Mrs. Rude--a calm, sure marksman. Just over 5 ft. tall, she butchered and skinned beeves to feed her family, when her husband was away.

After stages stopped operating in 1861, Isaac Rude, like others associated with the Overland Mail, joined the Confederate army. Later he became a prosperous businessman in McKinney. Born in 1829, he died in 1902

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.

roads women women's history topics
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Texas random facts
Pecos County, located in western Texas, has a rich and varied history. The area now known as Pecos County was home to Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Apaches, before European settlers arrived. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, mapping the land and establishing trade routes. One of the first Spanish expeditions to reach the area was led by Pedro de Rivera, who explored the Rio Grande and Pecos River valleys.

In the 19th century, the United States began to exert its influence over the region. Pecos County was officially established in 1871 and named after the Pecos River, which runs through the area. The county's first settlements were primarily ranching communities, as the land was well-suited for raising cattle. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further stimulated the region's economy, as it provided a means of transporting goods and boosted trade.

During the early 1900s, Pecos County experienced an oil boom, which brought economic prosperity to the area. With the discovery of oil, towns like Fort Stockton and Iraan thrived, as oil companies and their workers flocked to the region. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in Pecos County's economy to this day.

Pecos County also holds historic significance in the realm of ranching. The county was home to some of the most prominent ranches in Texas, including the 06 Ranch and the Chisum Ranch, both of which were owned by influential cattlemen. Ranching remains an important part of Pecos County's heritage, with many working ranches still in operation. Today, Pecos County continues to preserve its diverse history while looking toward the future with a focus on sustainable agriculture, oil production, and tourism.

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

  • Paleo-Indian tribes inhabit the area now known as Pecos County.
  • Comanche tribes settle in the region.
  • 1849: The U.S. Army establishes Fort Stockton to protect travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road.
  • 1856: Pecos County is officially formed from parts of Bexar and Presidio counties.
  • 1880s: The discovery of oil and natural gas leads to the rapid growth of the county's economy.
  • 1881: The town of Fort Stockton becomes the county seat.
  • Early 1900s: The Texas and Pacific Railway helps facilitate further economic development in the county.
  • 1909: The legendary Judge Roy Bean dies in Langtry, a small community in Pecos County.
  • Mid-1900s: The county's economy shifts from agriculture and ranching to oil and gas production.
  • 1980s: Pecos County experiences a boom in oil production due to drilling technology advancements.
  • Present: Pecos County continues to be an important hub for oil and gas production in West Texas.