Camp Breckenridge, C.S.A.
Historical marker location:Established near this site 1862. Part Confederate frontier defense line from Red River to Rio Grande. Occupied by company of Texas Frontier Regiment. Posts were day's horseback ride apart and area patrolled regularly. Duties included curbing Indian raids, rounding up draft evaders and renegades. Confederates were poorly fed, clothed and lacked horses, ammunition. They shared few of the glories of the war, but at the cost of the lives of not a few of them, these men gave a measure of protection to a vast frontier area. A memorial to Texans who served the Confederacy; Erected by the State of Texas 1963
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
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 love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
European settlement in Stephens County began in the mid-19th century, when pioneers began to establish homesteads in the area. The county was officially created in 1858 and named after Alexander H. Stephens, a prominent politician and Vice President of the Confederate States of America. The first settlement in the area was Fort Davis, which served as protection against Native American raids and as a trading post.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to Stephens County. Oil fields were developed, attracting workers and transforming the county's economy. The town of Breckenridge, the county seat, became known as the "Oil Capital of the World" and experienced a boom in population and infrastructure development.
Throughout its history, Stephens County has faced challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the oil industry. However, the county has shown resilience and adaptability, diversifying its economy with industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Today, Stephens County continues to preserve its history and culture, with landmarks like the Stephens County Courthouse and annual events celebrating its heritage.
Stephens County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Stephens County, Texas.
- 1858 - Stephens County was created from parts of Bosque and Palo Pinto counties.
- 1876 - The first settlers arrived in the area, attracted by its fertile land.
- 1879 - The town of Breckenridge was founded and became the county seat.
- 1880s - The county experienced rapid growth with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad.
- 1890s - The discovery of oil brought economic prosperity to the county.
- 1919 - Stephens County experienced an oil boom, leading to increased population and wealth.
- 1920s - The county's oil industry continued to grow, attracting more businesses and workers.
- 1930s - The Great Depression and a decline in oil prices impacted the county's economy.
- 1940s - Stephens County contributed to the war effort during World War II.
- 1950s - Oil production rebounded, and the county experienced renewed prosperity.
- 1980s - The county faced economic challenges due to fluctuations in the oil industry.
- 1990s - The county diversified its economy, focusing on agriculture and tourism.
- 2000s - Stephens County continued to attract visitors with its recreational opportunities.