Val Verde County, Texas

Babb Cemetery Brinkley Mansion Brinkley, Dr. John R. Brown Plaza Cal Rodgers and the Vin Fiz Camp Hudson, C.S.A. Camp Michie Canal System of Del Rio Cementerio La Loma De La Cruz Cementerio Loma De La Cruz (Hill of the Cross Cemetery) City of Del Rio Comstock Comstock Cemetery (HTC) Dead Man's Pass Del Rio Bank & Trust Eagle's Nest Elks Lodge Hall First Baptist Church of Del Rio First United Methodist Church of Del Rio Glenn-Dowe House Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church Hill, Robert Thomas Hood's Devils River Fight Jersey Lily Saloon John Taini Langston School Langtry Langtry Cemetery Langtry School Laughlin Army Air Field Law West of The Pecos Lt. Jack T. Laughlin Mason-Foster House Max and Anna Stool Medal of Honor Fight, 1875 Military Aviation in Val Verde County Near Site, Southern Pacific Ceremony of Silver Spike Old Del Rio High School Old Perry Building Operation Brass Knob Paul Kallinger Pecos River High Bridge Pumpville Railroad Bridges Over the Pecos Roy Bean C. S. A. Rudolf Anderson, Jr. Sacred Heart Catholic Church San Felipe High School San Felipe Independent School District San Felipe Springs San Felipe Springs Santos S. Garza Seminole-Negro Scouts Site of Camp Del Rio Site of Camp Hudson Site of Chihuahua Road Site of Vinegarroon Tarver School Taylor-Rivers House Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers' Association The Carter Family in Del Rio The Cassinelli Gin House The Fitzsimmons-Maher Prizefight The Pecos River in Literature and Folklore The Torres Family U. S. Army Camel Corps Val Verde County Val Verde County Val Verde County Courthouse Square Val Verde Winery William H. Dodd

Val Verde County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, and by the 18th century, Spanish missions were established to convert the native populations to Christianity.

In the early 19th century, Val Verde County became a part of Texas after the Mexican War of Independence. The region saw conflict during the Texas Revolution, with the infamous Battle of Val Verde taking place near the county's namesake river in 1862. The battle, part of the American Civil War, resulted in a Confederate victory.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Val Verde County experienced significant economic growth. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s stimulated agriculture and ranching industries. The county also became a hub for mining, particularly silver, lead, and zinc. The city of Del Rio, the county seat, emerged as an important trading center and transportation hub.

Val Verde County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. The construction of Amistad Dam in the 1960s brought about the formation of Lake Amistad, which became a popular recreational area. The county's economy shifted to include tourism and outdoor activities, drawing visitors to its natural beauty and historical sites.

Today, Val Verde County remains an important part of Texas history and a vibrant community. Its rich past is celebrated through museums and heritage sites, while the region's diverse cultural and natural resources contribute to its appeal as a tourist destination.
Brief timeline of the history of Val Verde County, Texas:

  • 1885 - Val Verde County is officially established.
  • 1800s - Indigenous people, including Comanche and Lipan Apache tribes, inhabit the area.
  • 1880 - Southern Pacific Railroad extends through Val Verde County.
  • 1882 - City of Del Rio is founded as the county seat.
  • 1912 - Devil's River State Recreational Area is established.
  • 1942-1946 - Laughlin Army Air Field (now Laughlin Air Force Base) is constructed and operated during World War II.
  • 1952 - Amistad Dam is completed, creating Amistad Reservoir.
  • 1980 - Seminole Canyon State Historical Park and the nearby Fate Bell Shelter are dedicated.
  • 1998 - Val Verde Winery, Texas' oldest continuously operated winery, celebrates its 125th anniversary.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Val Verde County, Texas.