Historical Marker

Papalote Creek

Historical marker location:
Beeville, Texas
( From Beeville, take US 181 SE about 20 mi to roadside park.)
Marker installed: 1965
Marker size: 27" x 42"

A few yards south passes Papalote Creek, crossed by the fierce Karankawa Indians who found kite-shaped pebbles and named it Papalote, which means "kite-shaped" or "wing-shaped". Along its banks came the leaders of the Power and Hewetson colonists, holding Mexican land grants in the 1830's. On its Rata tributary there is evidence the Mexican Army camped on its way to suppress the Texas Revolution.

By 1857 the town of Papalote had emerged. It was the center of entertainment for the county, boasting of a circular dance hall built by cowboys trading steer yearlings at $3 a head for lumber. There were rooster fights, ring tournaments and horse races. In 1886, when the railroad came, the town was booming.

After the turn of the century, however, Papalote began to die away. A land company sold lots to settlers from as far away as Hawaii. Expecting to grow citurs fruits, they were disillusioned when the first killing frost doomed the project. Threats of Pancho Villa's raids continued as late as 1916, when women and children hid in a brick schoolhouse.

In 1948, Main Street was bypassed by U.S. Highway 181. Today there is no post office--only a rural route for the few remaining households. (1965)

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.

water topics Native American
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
Bee County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to ancient times. The area was once home to indigenous tribes such as the Karankawa and Lipan Apache. It was visited by Spanish explorers in the 17th century, including Alonso de Leon and Francisco Hidalgo.

In the 19th century, Bee County underwent significant changes due to the arrival of American settlers. In 1857, Bee County was officially formed and named after Colonel Barnard E. Bee, a hero of the Texas Revolution. The county began to flourish with the establishment of ranching and farming communities. The emergence of railroads in the late 1800s further boosted the area's growth, connecting Bee County to markets in nearby counties and facilitating economic development.

The discovery of oil in Bee County in the early 20th century signaled another wave of prosperity. The county experienced a boom in oil production, attracting workers and capital to the area. This development led to the growth of towns such as Beeville, the county seat, as well as significant infrastructure improvements. Agriculture, including cotton and livestock, also continued to play a crucial role in the county's economy during this period.

Today, Bee County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy. It is known for its agricultural output, with cattle ranching, cotton farming, and vegetable cultivation being key industries. The county also benefits from the presence of the oil and gas industry, which continues to contribute to its economic stability. Bee County's rich history and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bee County, Texas.

  • 1836: Bee County is part of the newly independent Republic of Texas.
  • 1837: The Texas legislature establishes Bee County as a separate county from San Patricio County.
  • 1858: The county seat is moved from old Fort Ewell to the newly established village of Beeville.
  • 1908: The first oil well is drilled in Bee County.
  • 1930s: Oil production in Bee County booms and greatly impacts the local economy.
  • 1942: Chase Field, a naval aviation training base, is established in Beeville during World War II.
  • 1960s: Beeville experiences significant economic growth due to the establishment of several manufacturing plants.
  • 1990: Bee County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2006: The Bee County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.