State Antiquities Landmark

Concho County Courthouse

Paint Rock Texas
Significance:
Historic Structure

Jurisdiction:
County of Concho

State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.

SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.

Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.

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Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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Concho County, located in west-central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that traces back to ancient Native American tribes. The region was initially inhabited by several groups, including the Lipan Apache and Comanche tribes, who relied on the rivers, lakes, and grasslands for their sustenance. However, with the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century, the area became part of Spain's North American empire.

In the early 1800s, Concho County was still largely unsettled, but with the establishment of the Republic of Texas in 1836, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive. This led to conflicts with the Native American tribes, culminating in the Battle of Dove Creek in 1865, when Texas Rangers and local militia fought against Comanche warriors.

By the late 19th century, Concho County's economy relied on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. The rise of the railroad in the region further facilitated trade and transportation, leading to the growth of small towns like Paint Rock and Eden. Concho County's population continued to increase steadily throughout the 20th century.

Today, Concho County is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With its picturesque landscapes, including the Concho River and vast grasslands, the county attracts visitors for outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and bird-watching. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through local museums, historic buildings, and annual events, showcasing the rich heritage of the region.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Concho County, Texas.

  • 1858 - Concho County is created from parts of Bexar, Travis, and Young counties.
  • 1875 - First post office is established in Concho County.
  • 1882 - The town of Paint Rock is founded.
  • 1886 - The town of Eden is established.
  • 1889 - The town of Eola is founded.
  • 1889 - The town of Millersview is established.
  • 1889 - A public water system is installed in Concho County.
  • 1890 - The town of Lowake is founded.
  • 1892 - The town of Arden is established.
  • 1895 - Oil is discovered in Concho County, leading to increased development.
  • 1910 - Concho County has a population of over 5,000.
  • 1936 - Concho County courthouse is built.
  • 1941 - Paint Rock ISD is created.
  • 1960s - Concho County experiences a decline in population due to agricultural changes.
  • 1995 - The Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area is established in Concho County.