Historical Marker

Amphion and Amphion Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Poteet, Texas
( From Poteet, take FM 476 West about .5 miles, then go South as FM 2146 about 4 miles, make a left onto County Road at Amphion Community. Cemetery will be on left.)
Marker installed: 1992
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Amphion traces its beginning to the establishment of Atascosa County's first courthouse which is believed to have been constructed near this site at the county seat of Navatasco in 1857. Amphion, thought to have been named after a figure in Greek mythology, was located within the 17,000-acre ranch of Jose Antonio Navarro, a prominent local rancher and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Amphion was at one time a thriving community with several general stores, a hotel, post office, blacksmith shop, cotton gin, tannery, churches, fraternal lodges and a school. Amphion Cemetery was established about 1870 at this site on land donated by Roy Jenkins and Frank Lozano. Although the earliest recorded gravesite is that of Laura Underwood (d.1891) there is a gravestone with the year 1800 inscribed on its surface that local tradition claims marks the grave of a young boy killed by indians. This cemetery contains the graves of at least two veterans of the American Civil War. When railroad lines were built through Atascosa County in 1907 and 1927 along routes that bypassed Amphion, business activity declined and the community eventually dissolved. Virtually all that remains of the former town of Amphion is this cemetery. (1992)

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.

gravesites pioneers ghost towns
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
Texas random facts
Atascosa County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich and diverse history spanning hundreds of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers arrived in the 18th century, with the area eventually becoming part of the San Antonio de Béxar (San Antonio) Spanish colonial outpost.

In the early 19th century, the region experienced a migration of American settlers. Atascosa County, named after the Atascosa River that flows through it, was officially established in 1856. The county played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with several battles fought in the area. The region's fertile land attracted farmers and ranchers, leading to the growth of the agricultural industry. Cattle ranching soon became a dominant economic activity, and the county became known for its large cattle drives and sprawling ranches.

During the Civil War, Atascosa County sided with the Confederacy, and the conflict brought some challenges to the area. However, after the war, the county experienced a period of growth and development. Railroads were constructed, connecting the county to larger markets, and the establishment of towns and communities brought further prosperity.

In the 20th century, Atascosa County continued to thrive economically, primarily due to agriculture, particularly cotton and corn farming. Oil and gas exploration also became significant industries in the region. The growth of cities such as Pleasanton and Jourdanton brought increased infrastructure and amenities to the area. Today, Atascosa County is an important part of the South Texas economy, contributing to agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism. Its history and heritage are celebrated through various cultural events and historical landmarks.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Atascosa County, Texas.

  • 1856 - Atascosa County is officially established by the Texas state legislature.
  • 1872 - The county's first courthouse is built in Pleasanton.
  • 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway is completed, bringing a significant boost to the county's economy.
  • 1890 - Tornadoes cause extensive damage in the county, leading to rebuilding efforts.
  • 1898 - The county's second courthouse is constructed, replacing the original one.
  • 1908 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to an oil boom, bringing economic prosperity.
  • 1920s - Atascosa County experiences a decline in agriculture due to the boll weevil infestation.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county.
  • 1940s - World War II brings changes to the county, including the establishment of a military training base.
  • 1960s - Construction of Interstate 37 brings improved transportation infrastructure to the county.
  • 1970s - Atascosa County's population starts to grow significantly, leading to increased development.
  • 1990s - The county experiences further population growth and urbanization.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Emily causes widespread damage in the county.
  • Present - Atascosa County continues to be a mix of rural and urban communities, with a diverse economy.