Historical Marker

San Antonio-El Paso Road

Historical marker location:
Fort Davis, Texas
( corner of 3rd and Fort St. (in front of museum))
Marker installed: 1986
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Westward expeditions opened trails from San Antonio to El Paso in the late 1840s. Two routes, called the upper and lower roads, converged at the Pecos River to traverse the Davis Mountains.

Henry Skillman (1814-1864) began a courier service along the road in 1850 and was awarded a U. S. Government contract to carry the mail. He formed a partnership with George H. Giddings (1823-1902) in 1854, and they established relay stations along the route, including one at the new U. S. Army Post at Fort Davis.

During the Civil War, control of the area passed to the Confederates, and Giddings continued mail service for the new government.

By 1867 Fort Davis was occupied by four companies of the 9th U. S. Cavalry. After Federal reoccupation, stage and courier routes were more frequently utilized, with travelers often accompanied by Army escorts from Fort Davis and other posts.

After the arrival of railroads in West Texas in the 1880s, use of overland roads declined sharply, though the trails did provide access to new settlers and were still used by the army as links between forts. Vestiges of the Old San antonio-El Paso Overland Road can still be seen in Fort Davis and surrounding areas.

(Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986)

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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Texas random facts
Jeff Davis County, located in the Big Bend region of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche, who roamed the rugged landscape and established a connection with the region's natural surroundings. This changed in the mid-1800s, when European settlers began venturing into the area in search of new opportunities.

The county was officially established on March 15, 1887, and was named in honor of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Early settlers faced numerous challenges including rugged terrain, harsh weather conditions, and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, the area's rich natural resources, including fertile land and abundant water sources, attracted more settlers and contributed to the economic growth of the county.

With the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882, the county experienced a period of growth and development. This led to the establishment of the county seat, Fort Davis, which became a vibrant hub of commerce, trade, and military presence. Fort Davis, named after the former Secretary of War and President of the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, played a significant role in protecting settlers from Native American raids during the late 19th century.

Throughout the 20th century, Jeff Davis County continued to evolve, with the development of agriculture, ranching, and tourism industries. The county's rich natural beauty, including the Chihuahuan Desert and the stunning vistas of the Davis Mountains, attracted visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Jeff Davis County remains a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity, making it an intriguing destination for those seeking a glimpse into the rich heritage and captivating landscapes of the American Southwest.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jeff Davis County, Texas.

  • 1881: Jeff Davis County is established on March 15.
  • 1882: The town of Fort Davis becomes the county seat.
  • 1884: The county courthouse is completed.
  • 1890: The population of Jeff Davis County is 883.
  • 1911: The Alamito Creek Reservation is established.
  • 1929: Oil is discovered in the county, leading to increased economic activity.
  • 1930: The population of Jeff Davis County is 3,937.
  • 1942: The Fort Davis National Historic Site is established.
  • 1963: Davis Mountains State Park opens.
  • 1992: The population of Jeff Davis County is 1,863.
  • 2003: The Madera Wind Farm begins operation.