Hot Springs
a.k.a. Boguillas Hot Springs
W of Rio Grande Village, Big Bend National Park, TX"Hot Springs" or "Boquillas Hot Springs," as they were at one time known, had apparently been known to the Indians and other inhabitants of the region for some time before J. O. Langford acquired the place in 1909. Reputed to have medicinal qualities, this was just the place Langford, a man of poor health, was seeking. He developed the area as a health and recreational resort and continued to operate it as such until 1942 and the establishment of Big Bend National Park, with the exception of a 14year period between 1912 and 1927 when border unrest made the area unsafe. The influx of tourists initially attracted to the Big Bend area by Langford's resort was to a great degree responsible for the movement to establish the area as a National Park. Langford's establishment was the first such resort to attract visitors in sizeable numbers. As an early and important center of tourism for an area that soon became a major National Park, Hot Springs have local significance.
Local significance of the site:
Commerce; Health/medicine; Entertainment/recreation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
About National Register Listings
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.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
About Brewster County
Brewster County Timeline
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.
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.
Brewster County Timeline
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.