Terlingua Historic District
a.k.a. Big Bend;Chisos Mining Camp;Quicksilver Mining District
7 mi. W of jct. of TX 118 and TX 170, Terlingua, TXThe Terlingua Historic District is today a largely deserted village comprised primarily of ruins of small stone and adobe houses scattered across a barren landscape. More substantial buildings, some in various stages of use, include the Store and Theater, Church, School, and "Mansion" sited prominently on a hill. This former mining camp and associated abandoned mercury mineshafts are in southern Brewster County approximately 90 miles south of Alpine, five miles west of Big Bend National Park, and 11 miles east of Lajitas, a small community on the Rio Grande. Founded in the early 1900s by Chicago industrialist Howard Everett Perry (1858-1944), Terlingua developed around the Chisos Mining Company, which operated between 1903 when the first recovery of mercury occurred, and 1942 following bankruptcy During that 39-year span, the mines at Terlingua produced more flasks of mercury than any others in the Terlingua "District," (a classification for the geographic expanse yielding cinnabar ore) and in 1921 the Chisos was the largest producer of mercury in the United States.
Mercury--or quicksilver, the sine qua non in the development of Terlingua--along with the Chisos Mining Company and this entire mining District have a long and well-recorded history. The mineral was first mentioned in documents by Aristotle, and later by Theophrastus who credited the Athenian Callias with the invention of methods to process cinnabar, the raw ore form of mercury, in 415 B.C. Pliny recorded 450 years later the transportation of some 10,000 pounds of cinnabar to Rome from the Almaden Mine in present Spain (Ragsdale, 303). At that point, the purpose of mining cinnabar seems to have been threefold: for grinding to create cosmetic rouge, the extraction of mercury for the recovery of other metals, and the production of medicine.
After the 16th century special properties of quicksilver received increasing attention and the mineral was put to a variety of scientific uses, including the invention of the barometer and the mercury thermometer. In 19th and 20th century North America, gold and silver mining industries depended upon mercury for extraction of these "noble" metals from their ore. During the same period on a global basis, mercury contributed to the invention and manufacture of explosive fulminate, a crucial component of advanced weaponry and a technical foundation of modern warfare.
Local significance of the district:
Mercury--or quicksilver, the sine qua non in the development of Terlingua--along with the Chisos Mining Company and this entire mining District have a long and well-recorded history. The mineral was first mentioned in documents by Aristotle, and later by Theophrastus who credited the Athenian Callias with the invention of methods to process cinnabar, the raw ore form of mercury, in 415 B.C. Pliny recorded 450 years later the transportation of some 10,000 pounds of cinnabar to Rome from the Almaden Mine in present Spain (Ragsdale, 303). At that point, the purpose of mining cinnabar seems to have been threefold: for grinding to create cosmetic rouge, the extraction of mercury for the recovery of other metals, and the production of medicine.
After the 16th century special properties of quicksilver received increasing attention and the mineral was put to a variety of scientific uses, including the invention of the barometer and the mercury thermometer. In 19th and 20th century North America, gold and silver mining industries depended upon mercury for extraction of these "noble" metals from their ore. During the same period on a global basis, mercury contributed to the invention and manufacture of explosive fulminate, a crucial component of advanced weaponry and a technical foundation of modern warfare.
Exploration/settlement; Community Planning And Development; Industry
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
About Brewster County
Brewster County Timeline
Brewster County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich and multifaceted history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mescalero Apache and Comanche tribes, who hunted and gathered along the Rio Grande and its tributaries. The area attracted Spanish explorers in the 16th century, who sought to establish trade routes and establish settlements in the region.
The modern history of Brewster County began in the mid-19th century when it was part of the larger Presidio County. It was named after Henry Percy Brewster, a secretary of war for the Republic of Texas. After the Civil War, the county experienced an influx of settlers, primarily ranchers, who took advantage of the rich grasslands and water sources in the area. Cattlemen such as Alta Adele Koch, known as the "Cattle Queen of Texas," played a significant role in shaping the county's economy.
The discovery of silver in the nearby Chinati Mountains in the late 19th century led to a mining boom in Brewster County. The town of Terlingua became a center of mining activity, attracting thousands of prospectors seeking fortune. However, the silver boom was short-lived, and by the early 20th century, the mines had closed, causing a decline in population and economic activity.
Brewster County's landscape and wildlife also played a role in its history. The establishment of Big Bend National Park in 1944 helped to conserve the region's natural beauty and attract tourists. Today, Brewster County is known for its stunning vistas, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a thriving art and cultural scene, making it a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
The modern history of Brewster County began in the mid-19th century when it was part of the larger Presidio County. It was named after Henry Percy Brewster, a secretary of war for the Republic of Texas. After the Civil War, the county experienced an influx of settlers, primarily ranchers, who took advantage of the rich grasslands and water sources in the area. Cattlemen such as Alta Adele Koch, known as the "Cattle Queen of Texas," played a significant role in shaping the county's economy.
The discovery of silver in the nearby Chinati Mountains in the late 19th century led to a mining boom in Brewster County. The town of Terlingua became a center of mining activity, attracting thousands of prospectors seeking fortune. However, the silver boom was short-lived, and by the early 20th century, the mines had closed, causing a decline in population and economic activity.
Brewster County's landscape and wildlife also played a role in its history. The establishment of Big Bend National Park in 1944 helped to conserve the region's natural beauty and attract tourists. Today, Brewster County is known for its stunning vistas, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a thriving art and cultural scene, making it a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
Brewster County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brewster County, Texas.
- 1887: Brewster County is established and named after Henry Percy Brewster, a Secretary of War for the Republic of Texas.
- 1889: Alpine, the county seat, is founded as a water stop for the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway.
- 1900: The completion of the Southern Pacific transcontinental railroad brings growth and prosperity to the county.
- 1921: Big Bend National Park is established, including a large portion of Brewster County.
- 1933-1938: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) establishes numerous camps in the area, contributing to infrastructure development and conservation efforts.
- 1943: Construction begins on the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area, a renowned wildlife conservation and research site.
- 1998: The Terlingua ghost town is designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
- 2007: The US-Mexico border fence is constructed through parts of Brewster County, impacting local communities.