Historical Marker

Oil and Gas Industry in Pecos County

Historical marker location:
1000 Railroad Avenue, Ft. Stockton, Texas
( Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center)
Marker installed: 1973
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Located in the petroleum-rich Permian Basin, Pecos is one of the most prolific oil- and gas-producing counties in Texas. The petroleum business here began about 1900 with the drilling of the Turney well near an ancient "seep", a traditional local source of oil for lubricating and medicinal purposes.

A short-lived boom in 1921 caused by the discovery of the "Miracle Well" heralded the arrival of the fabulous Yates oil field (1926), indicating the area's great potential oil wealth. Since that year over 710 million barrels of oil have been produced from the Yates, Fort Stockton and other county fields.

The presence of natural gas, known for years, was slow to be exploited because gas was considered an undesirable by-product of the oil business. The first commercial use of gas here was inspired after it was found by workers drilling a water well, in 1925. The discovery, about 1948, of Santa Rosa field spurred exploration that brought in the Puckett field in 1952. Subsequent deep drilling tapped many extensive pools, including in 1963 the prolific Gomez Field, which had produced over 478 billion cubic feet of gas as of 1970. Today petroleum is the single most important economic asset of Pecos County

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.

oil/petroleum topics
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.
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 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.