Pine Springs, Texas, Culberson County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The site was well-known as stopping point for those crossing Guadalupe Pass. In 1858 it became a stop on the Butterfield Overland Stage Mail route. The company designated the stop as �The Pinery.� The stop was moved south within its first year of operation for the protection offered by Forts Davis and Stockton.

In 1870 it was used as a base for scouting expeditions against the Mescalero Apaches. After the Indian threat had vanished, the site was employed by those heading west across the mountains. A man by the name of Walter Glover bought the land in 1907 and started a ranch.

When U.S. Highway 62 was opened in 1928, Walter and Bertha Glover went into the caf� business to provide nourishment for motorists. After the death of Walter, Bertha remained at the helm until her death in 1982.

The population in 1942 was reportedly 50 residents which grew to 70 in the mid 1940s before falling to a mere 10 people twenty years later.

The post office closed in 1943. The Guadalupe Mountains National Park opened in 1972 with the opening, the population of Pine Springs doubled to 20 residents � the same number used for the 1990 and 200 count.

Photographer's Note:
The Pine Springs Stage Stand is/was located right at the what is now the highest roadway in Texas, officially 5,695 feet. The grocery store/gas station which served the area for many years is now long gone. The new headquarters building of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is not from the old stage stop.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

"Park information, including park conditions, closures or restrictions, weather and program information, may be found on the park�s website at www.nps.gov or by contacting the Headquarters (Pine Springs) Visitor Center at (915) 828-3251 x2124.... Motorists traveling past the park along U.S. Hwy 62/180 may tune in to the park�s Traveler Information Station at 1610 AM for up-to-date park information."

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