blog.librarywillie.com: Val Verde County History Belongs to All of Us -- What Are You Doing with It?

Val Verde County History Belongs to All of Us -- What Are You Doing with It?

Val Verde County History Belongs to All of Us – What Are You Doing with It?

A gentleman who is relatively new to our community expressed immense delight when he said to me, “Willie, I didn’t know your husband was such a prolific author!” Turns out he had been looking for a book about the Pecos River at the Lake Amistad Visitor’s Center and discovered three books by Doug Braudaway. Of course, when he commented on the good writing, I had to tell him that I was Doug’s “editor.”

My point in bringing this up is that Doug and I moved here to Del Rio in August 1994 – 17 years ago. It did not take long for Doug to recognize the incredibly rich and diverse history of the area. He spent hours, days, weeks, and months of his free time researching and gathering documentation to tell the story of our new home.

When we joined the Val Verde County Historical Commission, Doug discovered the Texas Historical Commission’s Historical Marker program. At the time, Val Verde County had 26 markers; Doug set a goal to double those and today there are 57 of them with more in the pipeline. Some of those markers tell some very interesting stories that demonstrate the diversity of Val Verde County’s history.

See if you recognize any of the following:
• Carter Family in Del Rio – June Carter Cash lived and performed here as a child.
• Dead Man’s Pass – watch out when you get hemmed in by steep hills in your stage coach.
• Eagle’s Nest – you can still see that 19th century (or earlier) nest using the viewing tube pointing to it
• Robert Thomas Hill – that same eagle’s nest told him where he was on his trip down the Rio Grande
• Pecos River in Literature and Folklore – that had to be the most fun to research and write
• Railroad Bridges Over the Pecos – three bridges but only two were high up in the air
• Cal Rodgers and the Vin Fiz – 100 years ago on October 26 an airplane landed in Del Rio
• Max and Anna Stool – they brought modern shopping to Del Rio
• The Torres Family – the real founders of the future Langtry
• U.S. Army Camel Corps – Doug’s very first historical marker and my favorite

I only mention these because I find them to be just a bit out of the ordinary. Now, there are lots of other markers dedicated to schools, churches, buildings, people, and organizations – just check out the Website of the Week to find them. Once you see the subjects listed there, I’m sure you will think of other worthy stories that deserve a marker. And when you do? What will you do with that idea?

Folks who discover Val Verde County’s history are always amazed at its depth and diversity – especially those who are transplanted here – like Doug and me. Visitors would have a hard time missing that history. Just look at the cover of the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce’s “Images” magazine – it’s selling history! Cultural tourism’s economic impact is enhanced by the work of historians everywhere – including here in Val Verde County.

There is an organization for those of you who believe that Val Verde County’s history belongs to all of us – born-and-raised, transplants, and visitors. The Val Verde County Historical Commission welcomes all to join in the task of preserving, protecting, and promoting our history. Their next meeting is 5:30 p.m., Thursday, October 27 at the Border Federal Credit Union.

Who gets to tell the history of a region? Why, those who take the time to discover it, of course.

Website of the Week: You can find all of the historical markers in Val Verde County here at http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/shell-county.htm – the Texas Historical Commission’s Atlas.

(This "librarywillie has information..." article was first published in the Del Rio News Herald on 23 October 2011.)