Colonel C. M. Winkler
Historical marker location:Native North Carolina. Start of Civil War, organized and took company 150 men to join Confederate army in Virginia. Unit made part 4th Texas Infantry of famed Hood's Brigade. Rose to command regiment as lt. colonel. Fought with famous unit in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee. Distinguished himself second Manassas, wounded at Gettysburg. Surrendered with General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox. (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 was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
During the early years, the economy of Winkler County was primarily based on agriculture and cattle ranching. Farmers grew crops such as cotton, maize, and sorghum, while ranchers raised livestock in the vast open spaces. These industries thrived until the devastating drought of the 1930s, which severely impacted agricultural productivity and forced many residents to leave.
The discovery of oil in 1926 radically transformed the county and ushered in a new era of prosperity. Winkler County became an important player in the West Texas oil boom, attracting thousands of people in search of work and fortune. Oil companies and drilling operations quickly sprang up, providing employment and boosting the local economy. The discovery of the oilfield at Hendrick Ranch marked the beginning of a thriving oil industry that continues to this day.
Over the years, Winkler County has experienced ups and downs in its oil industry, with periods of boom and bust. However, the county has also made efforts to diversify its economy. Today, in addition to oil production, agriculture remains an important sector, with ranching and crop cultivation contributing to the local economy. Winkler County also benefits from its proximity to the Permian Basin, one of the most significant oil-producing regions in the country. Despite the challenges faced throughout its history, Winkler County has grown into a resilient community with its roots deeply intertwined with the oil industry, while also maintaining its agricultural heritage.
Winkler County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Winkler County, Texas.
- 1910 - Winkler County is officially established from parts of Tom Green County and Loving County.
- 1926 - The Hendrick oilfield is discovered, leading to a boom in population and economic growth.
- 1930 - Wink, the county seat, is incorporated.
- 1940s - Winkler County experiences a decline in population due to the end of the oil boom.
- 1970 - The Wink Sink No. 1, a large sinkhole, is formed in the county.
- 1984 - The Wink Sinkhole is designated a state park.
- 1991 - The Wink Sinkhole expands and causes damage to infrastructure in the area.
- 1998 - The Wink Sinkhole is closed to the public due to safety concerns.
- 2017 - Winkler County celebrates its centennial anniversary.