Historical Marker

Sheffield

Historical marker location:
SH 290, Sheffield, Texas
( On SH 290 in front of community swimming pool, Sheffield)
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Spanish explorers traveled Indian trails here in the Pecos River Valley as early as 1590. Later, U.S. Cavalry, a camel train, and stage and mail lines between San Antonio and San Diego, California, used the route.

Nearby Pecos Spring attracted settlers to the area in the 1880s and 90s. Families lived in tents on the north side of the creek and hauled water from the spring. About 1890 a community water well was dug. Early residents were sheep and cattle ranchers. Mail and supplies had to be brought from San Angelo and Ozona. About 1901 Will Sheffield built a grocery and dry goods store approximately one mile from the spring. A post office opened with Will Sheffield as postmaster. Since he was the first to operate a store, the settlement was named for him. A saloon was opened, and in 1901 a school was begun with sixty-four pupils. After living for several years in tents, residents began building permanent homes.

Garrett Bean purchased a section of land from the state where the present townsite is located and drew off town lots in 1905.

Well-known Texas Ranger Frank Hamer got his start in law enforcement here. Sheffield offers churches and a trade center for area ranches

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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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.