Mariscal Mine
a.k.a. Lindsey Mine,Ellis Mine
River Rd., Big Bend National Park, TXQuicksilver, or mercury, is a metallic element with the unique property of being the only metal that remains in a liquid state at ordinary temperatures, becoming solid only about 40°F below zero. The unique properties of this material make it useful in a wide range of products, such as insecticides, paint, pharmaceuticals, electrical apparatus, etc., and was used extensively in explosives, particularly during WWI.
The ore from which quicksilver is obtained is called cinnabar. Cinnabar deposits are caused only by certain types of volcanic activity and are therefore somewhat rare. The only major cinnabar mines in the United States are in California and in Brewster and Presidio Counties, Texas.
One of the less productive of the cinnabar mining ventures in Texas, the Mariscal Mines were not a financial success. Cinnabar was first discovered in the Mariscal area in 1900 by Martin Solis. D. E. Lindsey was the first to actively mine the area, however, extracting enough ore to only produce about 50 flasks of quicksilver. The ore was transported by burros to Terlingua for refining. W. K: Ellis was the one who really began the development of the area with the construction of storage bins and a retort. Between 1917 and 1919 the Ellis Mine "produced and shipped 894 flasks of refined quicksilver." Purchased in 1919 by the Mariscal Mining Company, considerable effort, and expense were used in the construction of a new refining plant, Ellis' requiring too high a grade of ore to be economical. The bulk of the structures remaining in the area date to this period of development. However, with the end of WWI, a drastic drop in the price of quicksilver, coupled with the development expenses the company had incurred, made the venture an economic failure, and the mines were closed in 1923. One last attempt to operate the mine was made by the Vivianna Mining Co. in 1942. It added some new equipment and constructed several new buildings, but this effort also ended in financial failure in 1944.
Cinnabar mining was one of the major industries leading to the development of the Big Bend area. Although the Mariscal Mine was not a financial success, other such developments in the area were successful. The Mariscal Mine is typical enough of these early mining enterprises to tell the story of this industry's contribution to the history of the area.
Local significance of the district:
The ore from which quicksilver is obtained is called cinnabar. Cinnabar deposits are caused only by certain types of volcanic activity and are therefore somewhat rare. The only major cinnabar mines in the United States are in California and in Brewster and Presidio Counties, Texas.
One of the less productive of the cinnabar mining ventures in Texas, the Mariscal Mines were not a financial success. Cinnabar was first discovered in the Mariscal area in 1900 by Martin Solis. D. E. Lindsey was the first to actively mine the area, however, extracting enough ore to only produce about 50 flasks of quicksilver. The ore was transported by burros to Terlingua for refining. W. K: Ellis was the one who really began the development of the area with the construction of storage bins and a retort. Between 1917 and 1919 the Ellis Mine "produced and shipped 894 flasks of refined quicksilver." Purchased in 1919 by the Mariscal Mining Company, considerable effort, and expense were used in the construction of a new refining plant, Ellis' requiring too high a grade of ore to be economical. The bulk of the structures remaining in the area date to this period of development. However, with the end of WWI, a drastic drop in the price of quicksilver, coupled with the development expenses the company had incurred, made the venture an economic failure, and the mines were closed in 1923. One last attempt to operate the mine was made by the Vivianna Mining Co. in 1942. It added some new equipment and constructed several new buildings, but this effort also ended in financial failure in 1944.
Cinnabar mining was one of the major industries leading to the development of the Big Bend area. Although the Mariscal Mine was not a financial success, other such developments in the area were successful. The Mariscal Mine is typical enough of these early mining enterprises to tell the story of this industry's contribution to the history of the area.
Industry
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.
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
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.