La Morita Ranch
Historical marker location:Established in the 19th century, La Morita Ranch was the third ranch established in Presidio County by Milton Faver. A native of the midwestern United States, Faver had moved to Presidio del Norte in the 1850s, where he operated a mercantile store and a freighting business on the Chihuahua Trail. He moved his family to Presidio County by 1857, bought land and established his headquarters ranch on Cibolo Creek.
By the 1870s Faver's ranching operations extended over thousands of acres. He recorded title to land along Las Moras Creek in October 1880 (probably well after his occupation of the site) and it became the headquarters for his large sheep and goat raising operations. Abundant springs at La Morita provided a steady source of water, and Faver had a system of pools and ditches constructed to divert the water for his ranching needs. Also built at La Morita were stone fences, corrals, and pens, as well as dwellings using traditional adobe building methods.
In September 1889 Faver turned over operation of La Morita to George Dawson, the husband of his wife's niece, Juliana. Three months later, just days before his death, Faver deeded the property to Juliana Dawson. It remained in the Dawson family until 1966. (1995)
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.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
During the 19th century, Presidio County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. Fort Leaton, a well-preserved adobe fort, served as an important staging point for both conflicts. In 1848, the Amistad Expedition, a slave rebellion, took place in the county. This event resulted in international controversy and contributed to shifting attitudes towards slavery in Texas.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Presidio County experienced growth and development due to several factors. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882 spurred economic activity and brought more settlers to the area. Agriculture, particularly ranching and farming, became the primary industries. The county's proximity to the Rio Grande also made it an important trade hub.
However, Presidio County faced challenges and hardships as well. The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, had a significant impact on the region due to its borderland location. Smuggling, violence, and instability became prevalent, affecting the county's economy and population. Today, Presidio County reflects its diverse history, with cultural influences from Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers shaping its identity.
Presidio County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Presidio County, Texas.
- 1850 - Presidio County established as one of the original 36 counties of Texas
- 1854 - Fort Defiance established near Presidio to protect against Native American raids
- 1875 - Presidio County seat moved from Fort Davis to Marfa
- 1882 - Marfa and Presidio connected by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway
- 1884 - The Chinati Mountains declared a federal game reserve, later becoming Chinati Mountains State Natural Area
- 1933 - Marfa becomes a major cattle-shipping center with the construction of the Presidio County Courthouse
- 1998 - Marfa becomes known as an arts destination, after the artist Donald Judd establishes the Chinati Foundation