Glasscock County
Historical marker location:Created in 1887. Organized 1893, with Garden City county seat. Named for George W. Glasscock (1810-68), flatboating partner of Abraham Lincoln in Illinois. Came to Texas 1834 and fought 1835-36 in the War for Independence from Mexico. Built first Central Texas flour mill, Williamson County. Georgetown was named for him. Was in Texas Legislature, 1864- 68.
Of the 254 Texas counties, 42 bear Indian, French or Spanish names. 10 honor such colonizers as Stephen F. Austin, "Father of Texas". 12 were named for Washington, Clay, and other American patriots.
96 were named for men like Glasscock who fought in the Texas War for Independence (15 dying at the Alamo), signed the Declaration of Independence, or served as statesmen in the Republic of Texas.
23 have the names of frontiersmen and pioneers. 11 honor American statesmen who worked for the annexation of Texas; 10, leaders in Texas since statehood, including jurists, ministers, educators, historians, statesmen; and 36, men prominent in the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Midland and 8 others have geographical names. San Jacinto and Val Verde were named for battles. Live Oak and Orange for trees, and Mason for a Fort
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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
During its early years, Glasscock County was primarily an agricultural area, with ranching and farming being the main economic activities. Cattle ranching was especially prominent, and many small family-owned ranches were established in the county. However, the area faced major challenges due to its arid climate and lack of water resources, with droughts often hitting the region.
In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil brought significant changes to Glasscock County. The county experienced a boom in oil production, which led to an influx of people and an economic boost. The discovery of oil also brought infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of roads and pipelines. However, in the 1940s, the oil production declined, and agriculture once again became the primary industry in the county.
Today, Glasscock County is still primarily an agricultural area, with ranching and farming continuing to be the main sources of income for its residents. The county has also seen some growth in the renewable energy sector, with the development of wind farms. Glasscock County remains a small rural community, known for its friendly residents and tight-knit community spirit.
Glasscock County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Glasscock County, Texas.
- 1880: Glasscock County is established and named after George Washington Glasscock, a Texas Revolution soldier.
- 1887: The first post office is established in the county.
- 1908: The town of Garden City is founded.
- 1909: The first school in Glasscock County is built.
- 1926: The discovery of oil in the county leads to a boom in population and economic growth.
- 1932: Glasscock County's first elected officials are appointed.
- 1951: The Glasscock County Courthouse is built.
- 1970: The population of Glasscock County reaches its peak at around 2,000 residents.
- 1992: The Glasscock County Museum is established to preserve the history of the area.