Wilson, Homer, Ranch
a.k.a. Blue Creek Ranch (Oak Canyon)
8 mi. S of Santa Elena Junction on Park Rte. 5, Big Bend National Park, Santa Elena Junction, TXThe Big Bend country is considered to be "the last outpost of large-scale ranching in Texas. " "The Oak Canyon-Blue Creek Ranch of Homer Wilson was, without doubt, the best example of ranching within what is now the Big Bend National Park." "While Oak Canyon remained headquarters for the entire period of their operation, Blue Creek and the Blue Creek area became the heart of the ranch and its productive activity."
Homer Wilson was born in Del Rio, Texas, in 1892, studied mining and petroleum engineering at Missouri School of Mines served in Europe during World War I, and returned to the Rio Grande country after the war. In 1929 he purchased ranch land west of the Chisos Mountains, and ultimately expanded his holding to include 44 sections to operate this vast tract he established his home and headquarters at Oak Springs. Later he moved part of his operations to Blue Creek. Wilson developed the ranch and raised his family there during the years up to 1943 when he died suddenly. In 1942 he had deeded the land to the State of Texas during the early days of parkland acquisition. The family moved from the ranch by the agreed deadline of January 1, 1945. As one of the largest ranches in the Big Bend area, the Wilson Ranch has local significance. Its structures along with the natural setting provide opportunities to interpret twentieth-century ranch life in this area.
Local significance of the district:
Homer Wilson was born in Del Rio, Texas, in 1892, studied mining and petroleum engineering at Missouri School of Mines served in Europe during World War I, and returned to the Rio Grande country after the war. In 1929 he purchased ranch land west of the Chisos Mountains, and ultimately expanded his holding to include 44 sections to operate this vast tract he established his home and headquarters at Oak Springs. Later he moved part of his operations to Blue Creek. Wilson developed the ranch and raised his family there during the years up to 1943 when he died suddenly. In 1942 he had deeded the land to the State of Texas during the early days of parkland acquisition. The family moved from the ranch by the agreed deadline of January 1, 1945. As one of the largest ranches in the Big Bend area, the Wilson Ranch has local significance. Its structures along with the natural setting provide opportunities to interpret twentieth-century ranch life in this area.
Agriculture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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 cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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.