Hoover, Laura and William Peery
Historical marker location:Although Indians, Spaniards, wagon trains, and military expeditions crossed through this area earlier, the first permanent settlers in present-day Crockett County were native Texans Laura (McNutt) (1862-1941) and William Peery Hoover (1854-1922), who settled here in 1881. Traveling by way of the Devils River and Beaver Lake, they migrated to this area with two children and 200 head of longhorn cattle. Their first home, constructed of cedar pickets, was located under a bluff overlooking the Pecos River.
The Hoovers had fourteen children, five of whom died in infancy. Isolated, the family had to be self-sufficient, since supply trips to the nearest towns, over 75 miles away, took several days.
Laura and William Hoover steadily acquired land and their holdings grew to over 100,000 acres. Their cattle were identified by the "Hoo" brand.
The Hoovers later moved to present-day Ozona (50 miles northeast) and became active in the development of the community. William was instrumental in the formation of Crockett County and helped organize the Ozona National Bank.
100 years after the Hoovers settled in this area, much of their land is still owned by descendants
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 city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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