Historical Markers, Andrews County, Texas
"C"
Ranch House
Andrews
County
ANDREWS
COUNTY Courthouse
Original
Townsite of Andrews
Billionth
Barrel
Early
Settlers of Andrews County
Florey
Park
Frankel
City
Irwin
Ranch House
J.
S. Means Ranch House
Midland
and Northwestern Railroad
Dorsie
M. Pinnell
Shafter
Lake Cemetery
Shafter
Lake Townsite
Shafter's
Trail
Whalen
Lake School
"C"
Ranch House
Marker Number: 3
Marker Title: "C" Ranch House
Index Entry: "C" Ranch House
Address: 10 mi. from SH 158/FM 1788 intersection; private access
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 99
UTM Easting: 99
UTM Northing: 99
Subject Codes: RN; BH
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location: From Andrews, 10 mi. from SH 158/FM 1788 intersection;
private access
Marker Size: Medallion and Plate
Repairs Completed: N/A
Marker Text: First privately owned land in Midland area, purchased
in 1883 by Nelson Morris of Chicago. Then known as the Chicago
Ranch, it had the first wire fence and windmill in West Texas
and world's largest herd of Black Angus cattle. Recorded Texas
Historic Landmark, 1966
Andrews County
Marker Number: 167
Marker Title: Andrews County
Index Entry: Andrews County
Address: 12 mi. W on FM 87 in roadside park
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 706449
UTM Northing: 3583064
Subject Codes: CO;
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Designations: na
Marker Location: From Andrews, take FM 87 West about 12 miles
to roadside park.
Marker Size: Pink Hwy. Centennial
Repairs Completed: N/A
Marker Text: Created August 21, 1876, organized May 11, 1910.
Named for Richard Andrews killed at the Battle of Concepcion,
October 28, 1835, the first man to fall in the Texas revolution.
County seat, Andrews.
Andrews County
Courthouse
ID: 3
County: Andrews
City: Andrews
Current Use: Active Courthouse
Owner: County
Service Dates:
Construction Date: 1939
Architect: W. T. Strange
Contractor:
Style: Moderne
Square Footage:
RTHL Date: no
SAL Date: no
National Reg. District: no
Nat. Register Listing: no
Description: This is a simple, concrete and brick building made
up of rectilinear "boxes" of varying heights--one-,
two-, and three-story sections with tall, narrow openings in
the brick walls for fenestration. The lines are straight and
simple with square corners a
Substantial Modifications: 1955--annex with office space and
county jail added to west side of courthouse 1976-77--remodeling
Andrews, Original
Townsite of
Marker Number: 166
Marker Title: Original Townsite of Andrews
Index Entry: Andrews, Original Townsite of
Address: 700 W. Broadway (SH 176)
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 730293
UTM Northing: 3578262
Subject Codes: CY;
Year Marker Erected: 1970
Designations: na
Marker Location: 700 W. Broadway, Andrews (at Chamber of Commerce)
Marker Size: 18" x 28"
Repairs Completed: N/A
Marker Text: Founded when Andrews County was organized in 1910,
on land owned by Robert Madison Means (b. 1878). With his father,
J. S. Means, "Bob" Means began homesteading here in
1899 and organized an abstract company in 1909. When Andrews
battled Shafter City to acquire county seat, Means donated lots
to local cowboys so they could vote; helped win election. Married
Atwood Wilder, 1910; was county clerk, 1918-1922; civic leader
throughout life. Town has grown through many gifts of real estate
and funds from Means, who retired after finding oil on his land
in 1934. (1970)
Billionth Barrel
Marker Number: 407
Marker Title: Billionth Barrel
Index Entry: Billionth Barrel
Address: Courthouse grounds
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 730997
UTM Northing: 3578597
Subject Codes: OL;
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: na
Marker Location: Courthouse grounds, Andrews
Marker Size: 27" x 42" Subject attached to post
Repairs Completed: Redo/Locally
Marker Text: On May 25, 1965, from one of 7,400 producing oil
wells in the county's 196 fields, came the Billionth Barrel of
Andrews County crude oil. In the 35 years and 5 months since
oil flowed from the county's discovery well, C. E. Ogden No.
1, in Dec. 1929, Andrews has attained a new place in history.
In 1929, the county had about 400 people. Its wealth, mostly
in land and livestock, amounted to $8,109,399. Five persons in
the county filed income tax returns. There were fewer than 100
children in school. Highway bonds in the amount of $200,000 were
about to be issued, as a measure for county improvement. By 1956,
Andrews County produced more than 60,000,000 barrels of oil annually--gaining
recognition as number one in Texas and in the United States.
Of great significance is the fact that presently proven reserves
underlying the county total more than one billion barrels, without
any consideration for additional recoveries by secondary methods.
Andrews is more than a product of the billion barrels of crude
of oil it has produced, more than the gasoline plants working
through the night, more than modern highways, paved streets,
homes, schools, dreams. Its destiny is great in human resources--and
oil. (1965)
Early Settlers
of Andrews County
Marker Number: 1350
Marker Title: Early Settlers of Andrews County
Index Entry: Early Settlers of Andrews County
Address: 700 W. Broadway (SH 176)
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 730293
UTM Northing: 3578262
Subject Codes: PI;
Year Marker Erected: 1970
Designations: na
Marker Location: 700 W. Hwy 176 or Hwy. 87, (original town square),
Andrews (at Chamber of Commerce)
Marker Size: 18" x 28"
Repairs Completed: bullet hole/faded; redo locally
Marker Text: One of last frontiers of Texas. Anglo settlement
here lagged 60 years behind rest of state due to Indians and
scarcity of water. In 1886 O. B. Holt became first man to file
for county land. First settlers included the Cowden brothers
and Peter Von Holebeke. In 1900 county had 87 people; it was
finally organized in 1910. With windmill pumps and drift fences,
ranching became feasible, although soil was so dry that a grazing
cow crashed through a dugout roof into a bed one day. In 1930
the discovery of oil brought wealth and rewarded the tenacity
of first pioneers. (1970)
Florey Park
Marker Number: 1923
Marker Title: Florey Park
Index Entry: Florey Park
Address: 3 mi. N on US 385, 3 mi. E on Florey Park Rd.
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 732565
UTM Northing: 3584536
Subject Codes: OL; PK
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: na
Marker Location: From Andrews, take U.S. 38-T north about 3 miles,
then go east on Florey Park Rd. about 3 miles. Or, from Andrews,
take U.S. 385 north about 10 miles to Florey, then go 1 mile
east on Florey Park Rd.
Marker Size: 18" x 28"
Repairs Completed: marker missing
Marker Text: Named for old town of Florey, established as a post
office 7 miles to the northeast in 1909, prior to the organization
of Andrews County, June 1910. In heart of the Means Oil Field,
opened 1930, this park is at site of a 1934-1958 camp of Humble
Oil and Refining Company. In the 24 years of the camp's history,
its many residents developed an oasis here. The recreation area,
with its lush grass and tall trees, attracted visitors from all
parts of the county. On September 22, 1958, Humble Company donated
the land to be used as a county park. (1965)
Frankel City
Marker Number: 2051
Marker Title: Frankel City
Index Entry: Frankel City
Address: 12 mi. W, at intersection of US 87 and FM 181
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 709713
UTM Northing: 3581906
Subject Codes: GT; OL;
Year Marker Erected: 1984
Designations: na
Marker Location: From Andrews, take U.S. 87 west about 12 miles
to intersection of FM 181 and U.S. 87
Marker Size: 27" x 42" Subject
Repairs Completed: Redo
Marker Text: In 1941 the Fullerton Oil Company of California
struck oil near this site, and by 1945 more than 100 drilling
rigs were in operation. The discovery brought great numbers of
workers into the area, resulting in the establishment of the
town of Fullerton. Located approximately one mile north, Fullerton
provided newcomers with two churches, two cafes, two filling
stations, a grocery store, delicatessen, beauty shop, and Andrews
telephone exchange. Buses transported children to and from school
in Andrews (16 miles SE). By the end of World War II, the boom
town also boasted supply stores, oil field service companies,
welding shops, and an electric plant. Fullerton's name was changed
to Frankel City when the U.S. post office was established in
1948. At one time the post office served as many as 500 area
families. By 1976, however, most of the oil had been taken from
the ground, and workers in the field were laid off or transferred
to other jobs. The town was abandoned as the post office and
other businesses closed. The old Prairie Schooner Cafe, moved
to this site from its original location, is all that is left
of Frankel City. The ghost town, however, remains an important
part of West Texas history. (1984)
Irwin Ranch House
Marker Number: 2653
Marker Title: Irwin Ranch House
Index Entry: Irwin Ranch House
Address: 7 mi. N on US 385, then 7 mi. W on FM 1967
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 717552
UTM Northing: 3587492
Subject Codes: BH; RN;
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location: From Andrews, take U.S. 385 north about 7 miles,
then go west on FM 1967 about 7 miles.
Marker Size: Medallion and Plate
Repairs Completed:
Marker Text: Only building remaining in old Shafter Lake, first
settlement in Andrews County and at one time its largest town.
Built 1908. Concrete blocks, hand pressed from sand of Shafter
Lake, are the original frame. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- 1967
Means, J. S.,
Ranch House
Marker Number: 2683
Marker Title: J. S. Means Ranch House
Index Entry: Means, J. S., Ranch House
Address: 2.5 mi. NE off SH 115; no public access
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 99
UTM Easting: 99
UTM Northing: 99
Subject Codes: BH; RN;
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Designations: na
Marker Location: From Andrews, take SH 115 NE about 2.5 miles.
Private
Marker Size: 18" x 28" Subject
Repairs Completed: N/A
Marker Text: Built in 1900, this is one of the oldest houses
in Andrews County. S. H. Purcell, his wife, and two relatives
each filed on a section of public land, building this home where
section-corners met, so that each individual could fulfill the
legal requirement to live on his claim. Soon after proving their
claims, they sold out to Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Means, who then (1904)
owned 14 sections. Adding much more land, the Means family established
a very successful working ranch. It continues to run cattle,
even though the range has contained oil fields since the 1920s.
(1974)
Midland
and Northwestern Railroad
Marker Number: 3361
Marker Title: Midland and Northwestern Railroad
Index Entry: Midland and Northwestern Railroad
Address: 6 mi. E on FM 176; 0.75 mi. N on FM 1788
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 744786
UTM Northing: 3580135
Subject Codes: RR;
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Designations: na
Marker Location: From Andrews, take FM 176 east about 6 miles
then go north about 3/4 mile on FM 1788.
Marker Size: 27" by 42" attached to post
Repairs Completed: N/A
Marker Text: Chartered Jan. 16, 1916, by Midland Farms Co., which
was owned by David Fasken of Toronto, Canada. The 65 miles of
road were completed from Midland to Seminole in 1918. Operated
with an engine borrowed from Texas and Pacific Railway until
1920, when its operations ceased. Fasken purchased the C Ranch
in 1912 from estate of Chicago meat packer Nelson Morris. Used
part of land for track right-of-way. Developed railroad to ship
cattle to markets and encourage settlement. Town of Fasken at
peak had one-story depot, hotel, general store, two dwelling
houses, schoolhouse and stock pens. The standard gauge line had
one passenger coach, two flatcars, a mail and express car. Had
trouble keeping on schedule because equipment was old and needed
repairs constantly. Fireman and engineer shot coyotes en route
to break monotony. In 1920, M.&N.W. went into receivership,
and was sold to T.&P. after flash floods floated crossties
away from roadbed. After approval by the Texas Railroad Commission,
M.&N.W. was abandoned in 1923. Line was without prospects
of increasing tonnage, was not prudently located, and would have
lost money if operated. (1967)
Pinnell, Dorsie M.
Marker Number: 1257
Marker Title: Dorsie M. Pinnell
Index Entry: Pinnell, Dorsie M.
Address:
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 729550
UTM Northing: 3577789
Subject Codes: ML; SA;
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location: Andrews County Cemetery, US 176 W. Within city
limits, Andrews.
Marker Size: Grave Marker
Repairs Completed: unknown
Marker Text: DORSIE M. PINNELL (June 25, 1875-July 23, 1939)
Descendant of a Virginian who fought in the American Revolution.
Came to Texas at 17 for health. Served (1898-1899) in Spanish-American
War, Co. K, 1st Texas Inf. Vol. Regt. Later took up ranching
in Andrews County. Married Jessie Whitten; had 4 sons. Recorded
1968.
Shafter Lake Cemetery
Location: From Andrews, take SH 385 north 7 miles, then
go west on FM 1967 about 3.2 miles. Go south on CR NW 2001 about
1.6 mile.
 
LOCATED ON THE HWY ABT. 2 MILES FROM THE CEMETERY
Marker Number: 4652
Marker Title: Shafter Lake Cemetery
Index Entry: Shafter Lake Cemetery
Address: 7 mi. N on SH 385; 3.2 mi. W on FM 1967; 1.6 mi. S on
CR NW 2001
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 721815
UTM Northing: 3586406
Subject Codes: GY; GT; WA
Year Marker Erected: 1973
Designations: na
Marker Location: From Andrews, take SH 385 north 7 miles, then
go west on FM 1967 about 3.2 miles. Go south on CR NW 2001 about
1.6 mile.
Marker Size: 18" x 28" Subject attached to post
Repairs Completed: Replace
Marker Text: (1.5 miles West) Established just after turn of
the century, on the south bank of Shafter Lake, and two miles
south of the extinct settlement of Shafter Lake. Named for Colonel
William R. Shafter (1835-1906), who led military expedition through
region in 1875. It became the resting place for residents of
remote ranches and travelers. Oldest legible gravestones are
dated 1909; those of Joseph Snively and Mrs. Lucy Woolsey. Several
remains have been removed by relatives; site now contains 12
known graves. The once neglected cemetery is cared for by Andrews
County. (1973)
Shafter Lake Townsite
  
Marker Number: 4653
Marker Title: Shafter Lake Townsite
Index Entry: Shafter Lake Townsite
Address: 7 mi. N on US 385, then 6.76 mi. W on FM 1967
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 13
UTM Easting: 717552
UTM Northing: 3587492
Subject Codes: GT;
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: na
Marker Location: From Andrews, take US 385 north about 7 miles,
then go west on FM 1967 about 6.75 miles.
Marker Size: 18" x 28" Subject
Repairs Completed: Redo
Marker Text: First town in yet-unorganized Andrews County. Platted
1908. Named for lake charted in 1875 survey of Col. Wm. R. Shafter,
whose maps and victories over powerful Indians opened the Permian
Basin to settlement. Water trough built by John Underwood of
Shafter Lake Sand and Gravel is on site then set aside for a
courthouse. It was stopping place for ranchers and freighters
on way from Jal and Monument, N. Mex., into Texas. Town started
to grow around trough. But when vote in 1910 county organization
gave county seat to Andrews, town moved there. (1965)
Shafter's Trail
Marker Number: 4654
Marker Title: Shafter's Trail
Index Entry: Shafter's Trail
Address: On median at intersection of SW 1st and S. Main Sts.
City: Andrews
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 99
UTM Easting: 99
UTM Northing: 99
Subject Codes: ML; RD;
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: na
Marker Location: On median at corners of S. Main and 300 SW 1st
St., Andrews
Marker Size: 18" x 28" Subject
Repairs Completed: N/A
Marker Text: In 1875, Col. Wm. R. Shafter and a company of soldiers
traveled from Fort Concho (where San Angelo is today) to Monument
Springs, New Mexico, charting the arid plains, mapping all the
vital watering places. This marker is in the only town of today
through which Shafter's Trail passes. Here Col. Shafter, defending
his party, chased Indians who ran 12 miles to the northwest.
Thus he found the salt lake known ever after by his name. His
expedition's maps of this formerly unknown land opened the Permian
Basin to settlement. (1965)
Whalen Lake School
Marker Number: 5773
Marker Title: Whalen Lake School
Index Entry: Whalen Lake School
Address:
City:
County: Andrews
UTM Zone: 99
UTM Easting: 99
UTM Northing: 99
Subject Codes: ED;
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Designations: na
Marker Location: SH 176, 15 miles NW of Andrews
Marker Size: 18" x 28" Subject
Repairs Completed: N/A
Marker Text: One of the first schools in Andrews County, opened
in 1907 near the north edge of Whalen Lake, on land donated by
Mrs. M. B. Dillard. The one-room school, built by Joe and Jake
Mathis, with materials purchased by Will Gates, served the children
of homesteaders "proving up" their claims by living
on the property 3 years. Teachers were Miss Grace Stanford, a
Mr. Taylor, Miss Mary Lewis, and Earl Lontz, each remaining one
year. The school closed in 1910, and the building was moved,
as most of the settlers fulfilled their claim agreements and
left. (1974)
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