Historical Marker

Martin-Castillo Expedition

Historical marker location:
US 67, Main and 2nd Streets, Big Lake, Texas
( US67 at corner of Main and 2nd, Big Lake)
Marker installed: 1970
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Explored the Concho River, 32 miles north of here, gathering information on Jumano Indians and searching for pearls, 1650.

Setting out from Santa Fe, Capts. Hernan Martin and Diego Del Castillo traveled about 600 miles to the Jumano territory, where they stayed for 6 months.

Further travels took them to the edge of the Texas nation, where they obtained the first information definitely about the tribe that gave Texas its name. The "discoveries" of their journey -- pearls and the Texas nation -- sparked later important Spanish expeditions to East 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.

Exploration and expeditions
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.
Texas random facts
Reagan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. It was named after John Henninger Reagan, who served as the postmaster general of the Confederate States during the American Civil War. The county was officially established in 1903 and is situated in the western part of Texas, bordering New Mexico.

The early history of Reagan County can be traced back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the area, including the Lipan Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa tribes. However, the region began to see significant settlement and development in the late 19th century, as pioneers and ranchers moved in search of new opportunities. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further facilitated growth and economic activity in the county.

The discovery of oil in Reagan County in the 1940s brought about a major transformation. The oil industry became a significant contributor to the local economy, attracting both large corporations and independent operators. The population of the county grew rapidly during this period, as the demand for labor in the oil fields increased. Today, Reagan County remains an important center for oil production in the Permian Basin, supporting a variety of industries and businesses.

In addition to its economic significance, Reagan County is also known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county is home to beautiful landscapes and wildlife, drawing visitors who are interested in hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities. The county seat of Reagan County is the city of Big Lake, which serves as a hub for the surrounding communities and offers various amenities and services to residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1876 - Reagan County is established on organized land from Tom Green County.
  • Late 1800s - Early settlers begin to arrive in the area.
  • 1900s - Ranching becomes the primary industry in the county.
  • 1903 - Big Lake, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1920s - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1947 - Reagan County Junior College is established.
  • 1960s - Big Lake experiences a population increase due to oil production.
  • 1990s - The county experiences a decline in population and economic activity.