Buena Suerte, Texas, Presidio County ghost town. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Although there was a post office here, there was really no permanent town. It was primarily housing for the mines employees.

During wartime, mercury is an essential element. The discovery of deposits of cinnabar in the region dates back to the 1800s. Mining for the ore was by hand prior to WWII.

Mercury mining in Texas has all been located in what is known as the "Terlingua District." The area is in both Brewster and Presidio counties, south of Alpine.

The Fresno Mines at Buena Suerte began production in 1940. During both world wars, the United States led the world in Mercury production

By the end of World War II, Spain and cash-strapped Italy flooded the market and the Texas mines, including the one at Buena Suerte were closed. They would open from time to time when prices were favorable, but there has been virtually no production since 1973.

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