HOWARD COUNTY, TX HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

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Howard County, Texas: A Genealogical Overview

Located in the heart of West Texas at the crossroads of the Edwards Plateau and the Permian Basin, Howard County’s identity has been forged by three powerful forces: water, the railroad, and oil. Centered around the historic “big spring,” which served as a vital oasis for centuries, the county was born with the arrival of the railroad and transformed by the 20th-century oil boom. For genealogists, tracing ancestors in Howard County means exploring the lives of Comanche warriors, pioneer ranchers, railroad workers, and oilfield roughnecks who were all drawn to this pivotal West Texas landscape.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Like many West Texas counties, Howard County existed on paper for several years before a formal government was established.

  • 1876: County Created: Howard County was created by the Texas Legislature on August 21, 1876.
  • 1882: County Organized: A functioning county government was formally organized on June 15, 1882. Genealogical research for official county records, such as deeds and marriage licenses, begins after this date.
  • Parent County: The county was carved from the vast, unorganized lands of the Bexar and Young Territories. Its boundaries have remained unchanged since its creation in 1876.
  • Name Origin: Howard County was named for Volney Erskine Howard, a prominent Texas lawyer, politician, and U.S. Congressman from San Antonio.
  • County Seat History: The city of Big Spring, established at the site of the famous natural spring and on the new railroad line, was designated the county seat upon organization in 1882 and has remained so ever since.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: For centuries, the area was a crucial part of the Comanche territory. The “big spring” was a major watering stop and landmark on the Comanche War Trail, which ran from the Texas panhandle south into Mexico.
  • Trails and Early Exploration: The spring was a well-known landmark for early explorers and military expeditions, including the 1849 expedition of Captain Randolph B. Marcy, which mapped a southern route to the California gold fields.
  • Key Historical Events:
    • The Railroad Arrives: The single most important event in the county’s formation was the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881. The railroad’s presence led directly to the founding of the town of Big Spring and brought the first wave of permanent settlers to the region.
    • The Ranching Era: Following the railroad, the county’s vast grasslands were claimed by large cattle operations, such as the historic Long S Ranch. Ranching dominated the local economy from the 1880s through the early 20th century.
    • The Permian Basin Oil Boom: The discovery of the Dora Roberts oil well in 1926 ushered in a new era of explosive growth and prosperity. The oil boom transformed Howard County’s economy from agriculture to petroleum, attracting thousands of new residents and creating fortunes overnight.
    • Military Presence: During World War II, the Big Spring Army Airfield was established to train bombardiers. It was later reactivated as Webb Air Force Base, a major U.S. Air Force pilot training base that was a cornerstone of the local community until its closure in 1977.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

All official county records are located in the county seat of Big Spring. In Texas, the County Clerk is the primary keeper of the most genealogically significant records.

  • County Courthouse: The Howard County Courthouse, 300 S. Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720, houses the main record repositories.
    • Howard County Clerk: This office is the most vital stop for genealogists. It holds land records (deeds), vital records (birth, death, marriage), and probate records (wills and estate files) from 1882 to the present.
    • Howard County District Clerk: This office maintains the records of the district court, which include civil suits, felony criminal cases, and divorce decrees.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration began in Texas in 1903. Records are available from both the County Clerk and the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit.
    • Marriage Records: Held by the County Clerk from 1882 forward.
    • Probate Records: Wills, administrations, and guardianship records are also held by the County Clerk.
  • Libraries and Societies:
    • Howard County Library: Located in Big Spring, the library has a local history section with published county histories, family files, and other genealogical materials.
    • Howard County Heritage Museum: A fantastic resource for understanding the lives of local residents. The museum’s collection includes photographs, artifacts, and exhibits on pioneer families, ranching, the oil industry, and Webb Air Force Base.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Borden County (north)
    • Scurry County (northeast)
    • Mitchell County (east)
    • Sterling County (southeast)
    • Glasscock County (south)
    • Martin County (west)
    • Dawson County (northwest)

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks