Historical Marker

Iraan

Historical marker location:
6th and Farr St., Iraan, Texas
( At 6th and Farr St. in front of Community Building, Iraan)
Marker installed: 1980
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1922 three local businessmen, O. W. Parker, George Thompson, and I. G. Yates, leased the drilling rights on twenty sections of ranch land to Transcontinental Oil Company. After two dry holes were drilled the I. G. Yates well No. 1 blew in on October 28, 1926. The area around ranch headquarters became a boom town. Because it was isolated, support of the increased population became difficult. Yates converted a barn into a hotel and the area became known as Red Barn Community.

In April 1927 Yates commissioned H. L. George of San Angelo to survey a townsite at this location, 3 miles north of Red Barn. A contest was held to choose a name for the new town. The winner was "Iraan", submitted by C. R. Hallmark who combined the names of Ira Yates and his wife Ann. His prize was a city lot.

The first business to operate in Iraan was a service station run by K. P. Looney. A Post Office was opened in 1928. A nondenominational chapel known as union church was set up from contributions by Yates and Mid-Kansas Oil Company.

During the boom days of Iraan, V. T. Hamlin worked as a free-lance writer. It was here that he created the comic strip "Alley Oop" . A park honoring his cartoon characters is located in the city

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.

cities and towns women
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.
Texas random facts
Pecos County, located in western Texas, has a rich and varied history. The area now known as Pecos County was home to Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Apaches, before European settlers arrived. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, mapping the land and establishing trade routes. One of the first Spanish expeditions to reach the area was led by Pedro de Rivera, who explored the Rio Grande and Pecos River valleys.

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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.