Texas Historical Marker #14304
T.P. Tavern. McCamey residents and visitors remember this site of a well-known nightclub. Co-owners Tom Bargesser and Perry Fitzsimmons used their first initials to name the T.P. Tavern in 1927. The first location near Shell Pipeline road served large crowds during an oil exploration boom. In 1934, the business moved here, accommodating more space and a wooden dance floor. Jim Sloan took over management in 1938, adding distinctive teepee insignia to the building. As part of the west Texas roadhouse circuit, the Tavern hosted regional musicians and many who gained national fame, including Ernest Tubb, Lawrence Welk and Bob Wills. Rattlesnake derbies and boxing matches were also popular before the building burned in 1976. #14304
?, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #13753
Castle Gap. Pass on an ancient highway of the Southwest. From time immemorial Indians came this way in migrations from Canada to Mexico. Their paths were followed in 19th century by west-bound 49'ers, the Butterfield Overland mail coaches (1858-1861), cattle drives on Goodnight-Loving Trail (mapped 1866). Treasure of the late emperor Maximilian of Mexico is said to have been buried in the vicinity by his aides in the 1860s. Mesa and pass dominate landscape, reminding Texans of legendary eras. (On back) Castle Gap Park. Dedicated to the memory of San Angelo rancher and livestock dealer Caton Jacobs (1901-1964), who owned this land from the 1930s until his death. This 100-acre park was given to Upton County by the family of Mr. Jacobs, who came to Texas from South Dakota. He became a devoted student of the history of Castle Gap while running sheep on the surrounding rangeland. In common with people of this area, he wised to see a park established here to honor the history of Castle Gap. (1968) #13753
?, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #05371
The Little House on the Corner. Built 1940-1941, on site furnished by independent school district, to house McCamey Girl Scout troops. First stone veneer structure in McCamey. Girl Scouts' prized rock collections, plus stone hauled from Bobcat Hill by oil firm trucks and others used in walls. Balcony woodwork is cedar from nearby canyons. The entire town worked in a united effort to obtain materials, erect house. Setting for many "cook-outs" and overnight camps for Girl Scouts. Also served as social center for McCamey 1941-1959. An extension was built in 1964. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967. #5371
111 E 11th St., McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #04205
Rattlesnake Butte. Named for wildlife seen here 1910 by University of Texas geology team of students and professors mapping county resources. A meandering formation, 2,600 Ft. elevation, this is part of an uplift in southern Permian Basin; associated with uplift are county's oil fields. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967. #4205
?, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03330
Mendoza Trail. Route taken, 1683-1684, by the party of Lt. Gen. Juan Dominguez de Mendoza, whose purpose was to explore the Pecos Plains, obtain pearls from Texas rivers, and Christianize the Jumano Indians. Starting 12 miles below El Paso, the party of 35 traveled first southeast, then northeast into Texas, Crossing future Upton County. They found many pearls near present San Angelo; and at the confluence of the Concho and Colorado rivers, they founded San Clemente Mission. Two centuries later, part of Mendoza's route was taken by the Goodnight-Loving cattle trail. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967. #3330
US 67, in Santa Fe Park, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03277
McCamey Junior High School. Site is "Old High School," an outgrowth of 1920s oil boom. No school existed in McCamey prior to 1925, when 20 students were taught in a tin shack on 5th street. A year later school had 550 pupils in classes held in dance halls, skating rinks and 2 churches. Desks and seats were apple and orange crates. This building, erected in 1927, was community center-- setting for weddings, funerals, meetings of Draft Board, other activities. Used as high school until 1961. First superintendent, C. V. Compton, set high goals-- which since have guided the schools. #3277
112 E. 11th St., McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03276
McCamey. Founded 1926. Had 10,00 people in 1927. Named for Geo. B. McCamey, driller of discovery well that by 1964 had led way to opening of 31 oil and gas fields in Upton County. (Discovery well is 2.3 miles north of town). Center for horse, sheep, goat ranching. Has 5 parks. Home of Mendoza Trail Museum. Erected by Upton County Historical Survey Committee. #3276
US 385, one mile N of McCamey, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #02948
King Mountain. Probably named for Guy King, rancher who drilled first water well on top of mountain about 1900. Elevation is 3,000 feet. Part of an uplift in southern Permian Basin; associated with county oil fields. Many Indian relics have been found along the Rim Rock. #2948
US 385, W of McCamey, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01344
Early Humble Camp in Permian Basin. The World's largest complex of oil wells in the 1920s was developed in this area. Key to success of this vast petroleum field lay in finding ways to convey oil to growing fuel markets. First efficient transportation came in 1925 with the laying of the Humble pipeline from Kemper Station, near Big Lake, to Comyn Station (a distance of about 500 miles), to connect with existing Comyn-Baytown system. Early camp for pipeline construction crews was built here 1926 when Humble extended its line west from Big Like Field. Camp's site led to growth of McCamey and building of a refinery. McCamey became important center of oil production and operation. A constant flow of oil went through Humble's pipeline on its long journey to the Gulf Coast. Even with use of pipeline and railroad tank cars, more oil was produced than could be marketed. New practices had to be used to prevent overproduction and waste. Thus Humble pipeline became involved in the first voluntary proration in Texas, when in 1928 producing capacity of local wells was reduced to a level consistent with transportation facilities. Today in Texas, Humble has 15,000 oil and gas wells; 9,545 miles of pipeline; and one refinery. #1344
US 67, across from Santa Fe Park, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #00755
Castle Mountain. (2 mi. East) About 3,000 ft. elevation. Since 17th century, a landmark in travel from Texas points to Mexico and California. According to tradition, named by Spaniards for resemblance to ancient castles. Has associations with stories of lost trains of gold and other treasures. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966. #755
US 385, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #00754
Castle Gap. Castle Gap, famous early pass for southwestern trails, lies 14 miles northwest along the Upton-Crane County line. Through this mile-long gap between Castle and King mountains flowed the full panorama of Texas history-- Indian, Spaniard, Stage and Trail Herd Driver, Settler, '49er. In prehistoric time Castle Gap was a landmark for nomadic Indian tribes and later guided the Commanches on their war trail into Mexico. The first white man to discover the pass was probably the Spanish explorer Felipe Rabago y Teran in 1761. Then came the '49ers in their frenzied rush to the California gold fields, to be followed by other, more permanent settlers. From 1858 to 1861 the famed Butterfield Overland Mail coaches rumbled through the pass on their 24-day journey from St. Louis to San Francisco, pausing briefly at the adobe-walled Castle Gap station for fresh teams. Then they were off again, fording into the sunset. By 1866 the Goodnight-Loving cattle trail was firmly established at the gap, funneling tens of thousands of brawling longhorn cattle to the northern markets. During this same period, legend holds that a treasure-laden aide of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, fleeing the country when the regime collapsed, buried gold and jewels in the area. Dust of the pioneers settled long ago. Today Castle Gap slumbers peacefully, disturbed only by visitors, occasional treasure hunters and those who probe for ruins of the Butterfield station and the rapidly fading ruts of coach and wagon. #754
US 67, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #00444
Bobcat Hills. Named for dens of lynx (bobcats) found her 1919 by a University of Texas geology team mapping the resources of the county. These hills, cretaceous formations, are part of an uplift in the southern Permian Basin. Associated with this uplift are the oil fields of the county. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967, #444
FM 305 S of McCamey, McCamey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #00090
Adrian Building. Western Bungalow. Built 1915, in Girvin, by R. F. Mayse, first merchant. Moved to McCamey, 1946. Mr. and Mrs. Hal Holmes: gift. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1965. #90
US 67, in Santa Fe Park, McCamey, TX, United States