Giddings' Pecos Station Graves Cemetery
Graves: 2 (1862)
Size: 8 ft x 5 ft each
To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.
The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.
A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
In the 19th century, the United States began to exert its influence over the region. Pecos County was officially established in 1871 and named after the Pecos River, which runs through the area. The county's first settlements were primarily ranching communities, as the land was well-suited for raising cattle. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further stimulated the region's economy, as it provided a means of transporting goods and boosted trade.
During the early 1900s, Pecos County experienced an oil boom, which brought economic prosperity to the area. With the discovery of oil, towns like Fort Stockton and Iraan thrived, as oil companies and their workers flocked to the region. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in Pecos County's economy to this day.
Pecos County also holds historic significance in the realm of ranching. The county was home to some of the most prominent ranches in Texas, including the 06 Ranch and the Chisum Ranch, both of which were owned by influential cattlemen. Ranching remains an important part of Pecos County's heritage, with many working ranches still in operation. Today, Pecos County continues to preserve its diverse history while looking toward the future with a focus on sustainable agriculture, oil production, and tourism.
Pecos County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pecos County, Texas.
- Paleo-Indian tribes inhabit the area now known as Pecos County.
- Comanche tribes settle in the region.
- 1849: The U.S. Army establishes Fort Stockton to protect travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road.
- 1856: Pecos County is officially formed from parts of Bexar and Presidio counties.
- 1880s: The discovery of oil and natural gas leads to the rapid growth of the county's economy.
- 1881: The town of Fort Stockton becomes the county seat.
- Early 1900s: The Texas and Pacific Railway helps facilitate further economic development in the county.
- 1909: The legendary Judge Roy Bean dies in Langtry, a small community in Pecos County.
- Mid-1900s: The county's economy shifts from agriculture and ranching to oil and gas production.
- 1980s: Pecos County experiences a boom in oil production due to drilling technology advancements.
- Present: Pecos County continues to be an important hub for oil and gas production in West Texas.