Kermit, TX RoadyGoat

They say a curse lingered over this land before Kermit became Kermit. Hard to say if it was true, but life out here in the early days was certainly tough enough. It all started with oil, of course. When they struck it big back in '26, folks poured in, drawn by the promise of work and a new life. Before that, it was mostly just wide-open grassland, home to pronghorn antelope and tumbleweeds dancing in the wind. Then, almost overnight, tents and makeshift shacks sprung up alongside the derricks. It was a rough-and-tumble existence, but there was a real spirit of camaraderie. These folks were building something from nothing, carving a town out of the desert. They named it after Kermit Roosevelt, the president's son, hoping maybe a little bit of that Roosevelt luck would rub off. And in a way, it did. Kermit became the heart of the West Texas Oil Patch Boomtown culture, a place where anything felt possible. Even with the sandstorms rolling in off those Monahans Sandhills, not far away, there was a sense of resilience, a feeling that this community could weather anything. You can still feel that today, that tight-knit spirit, a testament to those early days and the people who dared to call this vast landscape home.

18.6 mi away

Kermit, TX RoadyGoat

Oil discovery in the Hendrick oilfield near Kermit in 1926 led to a population boom and economic growth. The oil industry has been crucial to the economy of Kermit and Winkler County. In 1966, the town moved the last working wooden derrick in the Permian Basin from Loving County to Pioneer Park in Kermit as a symbol of the importance of the oil industry.

18.6 mi away

Kermit, TX RoadyGoat

On June 3, 1980, a 9-ft-wide sinkhole opened on the property of Atlantic Richfield Company in Kermit and got progressively larger. Within four days, it had become a tourist attraction, with a crater measuring 400 by 200 ft and as much as 30 ft deep.

RoadyGoat → · 18.6 mi away

Texas Territorial Compromise of 1850

1836

Four miles east of this site is an official corner post marking agreement of Texas to give up some of the land won in her 1836 war for independence. It also marks New Mexico's southeast corner. When Texas was annexed to the United States, 1846, her territory included 98,300 square miles now in the states of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Wyoming. After the Mexican War (fought 1846-1848, over the annexation), anti-slavery forces in the U. S. sought to trim the size of Texas, a slave state. To raise money and establish a definite boundary, Texas accepted the compromise of 1850 and agreed to give up a third of her area in return for payment of $10,000,000. The money paid debts of the former Republic of Texas, set up a $2,000,000 public school fund, and erected state buildings, including a new capitol (which subsequently burned in 1881). By the 1850 compromise, the western boundary of Texas follows the 103rd meridian south from 36* 30'; near here intersects the 32nd parallel, then goes west along the parallel to the Rio Grande. The corner marks not only a peaceable boundary pact, but also shows an unbroken stretch of Permian Basin lands, unified in geography and common goals. (1966)

Historical Marker → · 8.6 mi away

Winkler, Colonel C. M.

1861

Native North Carolina. Start of Civil War, organized and took company 150 men to join Confederate army in Virginia. Unit made part 4th Texas Infantry of famed Hood's Brigade. Rose to command regiment as lt. colonel. Fought with famous unit in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee. Distinguished himself second Manassas, wounded at Gettysburg. Surrendered with General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox. (1963)

Historical Marker → · 18.7 mi away

Moorhead Cable Tool Rig

1920

Last wooden oil derrick in U.S. to retire from daily use. Drilled Moorhead No. 1 well on Chapman-McAlvane lease, Loving County. Has bull wheels and rig irons of type not made since 1920s. However, in its day it made deep drilling possible. Pump was steam-driven until 1942, when 4-cylinder gasoline engine began to run the "Yo-Yo" wheels and walking beam. Well was put on electric pump, 1966. Given by R. O. Moorhead to city of Kermit, as a Permian Basin oil empire history exhibit, rig was moved 35 miles to this site without being dismantled. (1966)

Historical Marker → · 19.0 mi away

Old Duval Townsite

1910

First post office in Winkler (then part of Tom Green) County opened near here (1908) on John Howe ranch. Mail came in twice weekly to serve 300 persons. Duval townsite, promoted all over the United States by the Pueblo Investment Co., opened on March 19, 1910, with free lots, a picnic, and cowboy tournament. In April, Kermit became seat of Winkler County; post office moved there in October. Duval failed to develop and townsite rights were canceled after 1928 oil discovery here. Ownership of many valuable lots sold in 1910 is still unclear today. (1968)

Historical Marker → · 19.6 mi away

The Sand Hills

1849

Mapped by U. S. Government, 1849, for gold seekers and settlers. Known earlier to Indians and many Spanish explorers. A 100-mile belt of sand in Winkler and 4 other Texas counties and in New Mexico. Width varies from 3 to 20 miles; outer dunes are held by dwarf oaks. Water at 2' depth supports willows, cottonwoods, and a plum thicket. (The plums gave food to early settlers.) Many dunes more than 70' high. Heavy, shifting sands a natural barrier to travel. Campsite and game reservation for Indians. Now part of expansive cattle ranges and rich oil fields.

Historical Marker → · 16.9 mi away

Jal, New Mexico

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Kermit, TX RoadyGoat

Kermit, TX RoadyGoat

Kermit, TX RoadyGoat

Texas Territorial Compromise of 1850

Winkler, Colonel C. M.

Moorhead Cable Tool Rig

Old Duval Townsite

The Sand Hills

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