Historical Markers in
Brewster County, Texas

Albion E. Shepard House Alpine Ancient Rocks Boundary Black Gap Wildlife Management Area Brewster County Brewster County Courthouse Burgess' Water Hole Chambers Hotel City Building Colonel Lewis Given Harman Comanche Trail Denuded Ouachita Rock Belt Double Mills Federico Villalba First Baptist Church of Alpine First Methodist Church First School House Fort Pena Colorada (Red Rock) Gage-Van Sickle House Garcia-Valadez House Hancock Building Holland Hotel Building J. C. Bird J.C. Carr-Bob Slight House John R. Holland Lajitas Cemetery Leoncita Springs Los Caballos (in core of the Ouachita Structural Belt) Marathon Nolte-Rooney House Old Roman Catholic Church Our Lady of Peace Parish Hall Pioneer School House Ritchey Hotel, 1886 Terlingua Texas Confederate Colonel Henry P. Brewster (1816-1884) Texas Confederate General Lawrence "Sul" Ross The Gage Hotel W. W. Townsend Home
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Why Stop?: A Guide to Texas Roadside Historical Markers Paperback – April 16, 2013
Why Stop?: A Guide to Texas Roadside Historical Markers

Students in Texas know the Alamo, but not the Alamo in American history. It's all about the Alamo as a place of Texas history
Diane Ravitch in Interview with Texas Public Radio
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.

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.