Route of Old Butterfield Stagecoach Road
Historical marker location:Over these tracks passed the Butterfield Stage, 1858-1861, providing for first time in history a combined passenger and mail service from Atlantic to Pacific coast. Operating westward from St. Louis and Memphis, John Butterfield's company used 1,350 mules and horses and 90 Concord coaches and wagons.
Stages traveled rapidly, despite lack of real roads. A signal given approaching a station would assure food on table for travelers, and fresh horses ready.
Stations were 12 to 113 miles apart. Route changes were often made to obtain water. The passengers and crew wore guns. Indians liked horses, so to reduce the danger of Indian attacks, mules were used west of Ft. Belknap. Trip one way took 25 days-- 7 consumed in crossing Texas, from near Preston (now under Lake Texoma) to Jacksboro, Ft. Belknap, Ft. Chadbourne, and El Paso. One-way fare for the 2,700 miles was $200.
This marks a 113-mile span, from Emigrants' Crossing (82 mi. S) to Pope's Crossing (31 mi. N), that on inaugural trip, Sept. 16 - Oct. 12, 1858, had no team-change. Route ran parallel to Pecos River. By November there were 3 change stations in this area, one being Skillman's Stop (6 mi. N). Route was shortened in 1860, going by Forts Stockson, Davis and Quitman, west of the Pecos.
Incise on base: Park site donated by Mr. and Mrs. N. F. Chapman, Pecos, Texas
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.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Despite this, the county faced numerous challenges throughout its history. In the early 20th century, droughts and a decline in the cattle industry severely impacted the economy of Loving County, leading many residents to leave in search of better opportunities elsewhere. This resulted in a rapid decrease in population, a trend that continued over the years.
In the 1920s, the discovery of oil in the Permian Basin changed the fortunes of Loving County once again. The oil boom led to a temporary increase in population and economic activity, with oil drilling becoming a major industry in the county. However, as oil production fluctuated and technology advanced, the number of oil wells decreased, and the population started to decline once again.
Presently, Loving County remains sparsely populated, with only a few hundred residents. Oil and gas production remain the main sources of revenue for the county, although the population has steadily declined over the years. The county's unique history, marked by the rise and fall of industries such as ranching and oil drilling, reflects the challenges and resilience of its residents in the face of changing economic circumstances.
Loving County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Loving County, Texas.
- 1931: Loving County is established and named after Oliver Loving, an early Texas cattle rancher.
- 1935: Loving County experiences an oil boom, leading to an increase in population.
- 1957: The population of Loving County reaches its peak at around 600 residents.
- 1970: The population declines to around 120 residents, marking a significant decrease.
- 1984: Loving County becomes the least populated county in the United States with only 67 residents.
- 2000: The population of Loving County increases slightly to 67 residents.
- 2010: Loving County experiences a population boom due to oil discoveries, with the population reaching 82 residents.