National Register Listing

Castolon Historic District

a.k.a. La Harmonica Ranch,Camp Santa Helena;Castolon Army Compound

Along Rio Grande at jct. of Park Rtes. 5, 9, and 35, Big Bend National Park, TX
The primary significance of the Castolon Historic District lies in the border relations between the United States and Mexico. The general border unrest of the first part of the 20th century, occasioned by the Mexican Revolution and World War I, resulted in U.S. Cavalry patrols to protect lives and property along the Mexican border. The Castolon Army Compound (known as Camp Santa Helena) was constructed to garrison such troops. Although it was constructed just as these border tensions eased and consequently saw little use by the Army, it is nevertheless a tangible remnant of this facet of our relations with Mexico.

The first store in the Castolon area was begun about 1903 by Cipriano Hernandez in the east end of the so-called Alvino Residence. Acquired by Clyde Buttrill and James Sublett in 1914, the enterprise was moved to the "Old Castolon Store". Under the partnership of Howard Perry and Wayne Cartledge (acquired in 1919), the Castolon Store continued to serve residents on both sides of the border, first at old Castolon and later in the barracks building at the Army Compound. It is still operated by a concessioner under NPS jurisdiction. As manager of "La Harmonia Enterprises," (a name selected "in an effort to restore and maintain peace and order in the area, ... and to promote the idea of harmony between Anglo-Americans and Mexican-Americans in the area") Mr. Cartledge was a storekeeper, rancher, farmer, and trader. To the residents of the area, both Mexican and American, he was also a friend, employer, banker, broker, postmaster, lawman, and counselor; and above all, he was honest and fair. That the United States and Mexico have enjoyed good border relations since the end of World War I has been in large part due to men like Wayne Cartledge.

The site and structures at Castolon are significant in that they embrace all of these activities and their consequences, and are tangible evidence of this interesting and important part of our national history.
Local significance of the district:
Other; Commerce; Agriculture; Military

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.