Val Verde County, Texas: History
=== Early history ===
The first inhabitants of what is now known as Val Verde County lived there some 6,000–10,000 years ago. Their descendants include such Native American peoples as the Lipan Apache, Coahuiltecan, Jumano, Tamaulipan and Comanche.
In 1590, Spanish explorer Gaspar Castaño de Sosa led a mining expedition of 170 who passed through Devils Draw. He referred to a stream by the name of Laxas, which is believed to be Devils River.
In 1673, Juan Larios opened a mission school at a location between Del Rio and Eagle Pass.
In 1675, traveling Franciscan priests celebrated Mass at San Felipe Springs.
In 1736, Lt. Miguel de la Garza Falcón led 100 soldiers along the Devils River in pursuit of Apache natives.
During 1834, James Grant and John Charles Beales established a settlement on San Felipe Creek, which became hazardous due to Indian attacks.
During the 1850s, military bases established to protect against Indian attacks included Camp Blake, Camp Hudson and Camp San Felipe.
As of 1860, the county had a population of 2,874, including 108 blacks and 1,103 foreign-born.
During 1868, the San Felipe Del Rio community is established on San Felipe Creek, next to Camp San Felipe.
From 1869 through 1882, Seminole Negro Indian Scouts (mixed heritage Seminoles with African blood) under John Lapham Bullis, namesake of Camp Bullis, defend the Texas border against Indian attacks.
In 1883, the Galveston Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway was completed. Italian immigrant Frank Qualia established Val Verde winery.
In 1884, the Langtry community was established, named after George Langtry (an engineer and foreman). It has mistakenly been attributed to being named after British entertainer Lillie Langtry by Judge Roy Bean.
In 1885, Val Verde County was organized from Crockett, Kinney, and Pecos counties. Roy Bean was elected justice of the peace in Langtry, operating out of the Jersey Lily Saloon and becoming renowned as "the Law West of the Pecos".
In 1886, the Juno and Devils River communities were established.
In 1888, the Comstock community was established.
In 1889, the community of Norris was established.
By 1890, the last Indian raids had happened and were no longer considered a threat.
1928 Lake Hamilton Dam complete.
1904 Lillie Langtry visits the community of Langtry.
1929 Lake Walk Dam complete.
1936 Val Verde County received Recorded Texas Historic Landmark number 5625 to commemorate its founding.
1942 Laughlin Field/Laughlin Army Air Field opens to train World War II pilots.
1945 Laughlin Field closes.
1952 Laughlin Field reopens as Laughlin Air Force Base, and serves as a secret U2 unit. Major Rudolf Anderson, a U-2 pilot based out of Laughlin, was the only casualty of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
1969 Amistad Dam and Reservoir complete. The project cost $78 million.