Texas Territorial Compromise of 1850
Historical marker location:Four miles east of this site is an official corner post marking agreement of Texas to give up some of the land won in her 1836 war for independence. It also marks New Mexico's southeast corner.
When Texas was annexed to the United States, 1846, her territory included 98,300 square miles now in the states of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Wyoming. After the Mexican War (fought 1846-1848, over the annexation), anti-slavery forces in the U. S. sought to trim the size of Texas, a slave state.
To raise money and establish a definite boundary, Texas accepted the compromise of 1850 and agreed to give up a third of her area in return for payment of $10,000,000. The money paid debts of the former Republic of Texas, set up a $2,000,000 public school fund, and erected state buildings, including a new capitol (which subsequently burned in 1881).
By the 1850 compromise, the western boundary of Texas follows the 103rd meridian south from 36* 30'; near here intersects the 32nd parallel, then goes west along the parallel to the Rio Grande.
The corner marks not only a peaceable boundary pact, but also shows an unbroken stretch of Permian Basin lands, unified in geography and common goals. (1966)
The Texas Territorial Compromise of 1850 is not a well-known historical event, and it appears to be a misunderstanding or confusion with the broader Compromise of 1850. The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures aimed at resolving sectional tensions between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery. Texas was involved in this compromise, but it wasn't specifically referred to as the "Texas Territorial Compromise." Here's a brief timeline of the events leading up to and surrounding the Compromise of 1850:
1845: Texas is annexed and becomes the 28th state of the United States, leading to tensions over the extension of slavery into newly acquired territories.
1846-1848: The Mexican-American War takes place, resulting in the acquisition of vast territories in the West, including California and New Mexico.
1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and the United States gains control of the territories mentioned above.
1849: The Gold Rush in California accelerates settlement in the region, increasing the urgency to determine the status of slavery in the newly acquired territories.
January 29, 1850: Henry Clay presents a series of resolutions in the U.S. Senate, collectively known as the Compromise of 1850, which includes provisions for the admission of California as a free state, the organization of the territories of New Mexico and Utah without mention of slavery, the resolution of the Texas-New Mexico boundary dispute, and the passage of a more stringent Fugitive Slave Act.
September 9, 1850: California is admitted as a free state, and the other components of the Compromise of 1850 are enacted, aiming to maintain a balance between free and slave states.
The Compromise of 1850 did address the Texas boundary dispute by compensating Texas for the territory it claimed in present-day New Mexico. Texas, in turn, relinquished claims to additional territory in exchange for the federal government assuming a portion of its debt.
It's essential to note that while Texas was involved in the Compromise of 1850, there isn't a specific "Texas Territorial Compromise" separate from the broader events of that year.
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 home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.