Inscription
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.
Location
Sources
More markers in Upton
Castle Gap
McCamey, TX
Castle Gap, famous early pass for southwestern trails, lies 14 miles northwest along the Upton-Crane County line.
First State Bank of Rankin
Rankin, TX
Founded in 1911 on the Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railroad, the town of Rankin saw for immense oil fields discovered in its trade area...
John C. Upton and His Brother, W. F. Upton
Rankin, TX
County named for Texas Confederates (Star and Wreath).
Upland First Upton County Seat
Rankin, TX
Now abandoned, the town of Upland (10 miles N) was intended as a station on the rail line from St. Louis to Chihuahua, Mexico.
Midkiff
Midkiff, TX
The remote community of Midkiff is situated near the intersection of the Midland, Glasscock, Upton and Reagan county lines.
