Emerald House, The
Historical marker location:Although the early history of this structure is unrecorded, it is known that the house originally was built in the townsite of Emerald (9 miles east). Established in 1889 as Crockett County's first settlement, Emerald was the colonization project of railroad agent T.A. Wilkinson. When Crockett County was organized formally in 1891, an election was held to determine the site of the county seat. Emerald lost its bid for the seat of government to a newly developing area that became the town of Ozona. Within a few years, many of Emerald's buildings, including this house, were moved to the new county seat. As a result, Emerald eventually disappeared.
Until 1981, when it was moved to this site, the Emerald house was located on one of Ozona's Main Streets. It had been owned by many of the town's prominent citizens, including E. M. Powell, an early area surveyor who gave the land for many of the town's public buildings and parks; pioneer merchant Phil Perner; newspaper publisher W. A. Cochran; ranchers George L. Harrell and J. W. Friend, and E. B. Deland.
As one of Crockett County's earliest structures and a survivor of its first settlement, the Emerald House is a significant reminder of the County's heritage
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
The arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century brought significant changes to Crockett County. In 1852, the U.S. Army established Fort Lancaster, a strategic military outpost, which played an important role in protecting settlers and travelers along the San Antonio-El Paso Road. However, the fort was abandoned after just nine years due to constant threats from Native American tribes and a lack of vital resources.
The county itself was formed in 1875 and named in honor of Davy Crockett, the legendary frontiersman and hero of the Alamo. As more settlers arrived seeking fertile land for ranching and agriculture, the community of Ozona was established near the confluence of the Live Oak and West Bear Creeks. Ozona quickly became a hub for cattle drives, as it was located along the Goodnight-Loving Trail and later the Texas and Pacific Railway.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Crockett County experienced both prosperity and challenges. Droughts, economic downturns, and the Great Depression took their toll, but the discovery of oil in the 1920s brought a new wave of growth and opportunity. The county's booming oil industry attracted workers and entrepreneurs, leading to increased population and economic diversification.
Today, Crockett County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes ranching, agriculture, and oil production. Its history is proudly celebrated through various landmarks, museums, and events that showcase the unique heritage of this West Texas county.
Crockett County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Crockett County, Texas.
- 1875 - Crockett County officially established
- 1885 - Ozona becomes county seat
- 1891 - Crockett County Courthouse built
- 1902 - Texas and Pacific Railway arrives in Ozona
- 1925 - Crockett County Oil Field discovered
- 1940s - Sheep and goat ranching becomes a major industry
- 1980 - Crockett County Courthouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- 1993 - Devil's River State Natural Area established
- 2008 - Crockett County celebrates its 133rd anniversary