Historical Marker

Carmelite Monastery

Marker installed: 2000
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1882, six German friars from St. Boniface monastery in Scipio, Kansas, founded a new Carmelite monastery at Grelton Station, halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso on the Texas & Pacific Railroad. They renamed the station Marienfeld and established a German Catholic colony.

Under the leadership of Anastasius Peters, the Carmelites attracted immigrant farmers to the area, some of whom joined the religious order. In 1884, this building was constructed to serve as the living quarters for the friars; it was expanded in 1886. From here they journeyed all over west Texas and eastern New Mexico, ministering to the Catholic families in communities along the rail lines and starting new Catholic parishes. Their work in Marienfeld had a direct impact on the town's development and on the formal organization of Martin County in 1884.

In 1888, the Marienfeld Carmelites numbered 34, but severe drought during that period resulted in an economic depression that led to faltering support for the friars and the colony. By 1891, only five friars remained, and they left in 1901. In 1897, the Carmelites sold the monastery building to the Sisters of Mercy, who developed an academy on the site in 1898 and used this building for their living quarters and chapel. Soon after a 1938 tornado swept through the complex, the Sisters of Mercy withdrew, and the property was sold.

Built of adobe in the Gothic Revival style, the monastery features four-foot thick walls, a stone foundation, Gothic pointed-arch windows and a wrapround porch. It is the only building remaining from the Carmelite occupation of the site.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2000

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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Martin County, Texas, located in the western part of the state, has a diverse and rich history. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Wichita, who thrived on the fertile land. The arrival of European settlers came with the expansion of the railway system in the late 19th century, leading to the establishment of a trading post in the area in 1881.

The county was officially founded in 1884 and named after Wylie Martin, an early settler and a prominent figure in the community. Agriculture quickly became a vital part of the county's economy, with cotton, corn, and wheat being the primary crops grown by the early pioneers. The population grew steadily, and small towns began to emerge, including Stanton, the county seat.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil brought significant changes to Martin County. Oil rigs started popping up, attracting a wave of new residents and boosting the local economy. The oil boom led to a rapid period of growth and prosperity, with the county becoming a prominent player in the state's oil industry.

Despite the economic success, Martin County faced challenges during the Great Depression, which resulted in a decline in oil production and widespread financial struggles. However, the county managed to weather the storm and recover in the following years. Today, Martin County continues its legacy as an agricultural and oil-producing region, while also embracing its vibrant history and cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Martin County, Texas.

  • 1886 - Martin County is formed and named after W.H. Martin, a Texas soldier killed during the Battle of Alamo.
  • 1903 - The first post office is established in the county.
  • 1907 - The town of Stanton is founded as the county seat.
  • 1926 - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1928 - The first oil well, Tubb-Brothers No. 1, is drilled in Martin County.
  • 1930 - The population of Martin County reaches its peak at over 8,000 people.
  • 1947 - Martin County experiences an oil boom due to the discovery of the Spraberry Trend.
  • 1967 - The county suffers an economic downturn when the Spraberry Trend runs out of oil.
  • 1973 - Stanton becomes a Class A school district.
  • 1984 - Martin County experiences another oil boom with the discovery of the Wolfcamp Shale.
  • 1998 - The Martin County Library is established.
  • 2009 - Martin County celebrates its 125th anniversary.