Castle Gap -- US 67, McCamey TX
N 31° 09.514 W 102° 08.737
13R E 772097 N 3450684
Native Americans and animals, Spanish explorers, and several 19th century wagon roads and those who followed them have passed through Castle Gap west of McCamey Texas
Waymark Code: WMV0C7
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 02/01/2017
Views: 3
A 1960s-era Travel and Tourism series historic marker for Castle Gap is located at a highway pull-out with a view of Castle Gap from McCamey along the US 67.
The marker reads as follows:
"CASTLE GAP
Castle Gap, famous early pass for southwestern trails, lies 14 miles northwest along the Upton-Crane County line. Through this mile-long gap between Castle and King mountains flowed the full panorama of Texas history-- Indian, Spaniard, Stage and Trail Herd Driver, Settler, '49er.
In prehistoric time Castle Gap was a landmark for nomadic Indian tribes and later guided the Commanches on their war trail into Mexico. The first white man to discover the pass was probably the Spanish explorer Felipe Rabago y Teran in 1761. Then came the '49ers in their frenzied rush to the California gold fields, to be followed by other, more permanent settlers.
From 1858 to 1861 the famed Butterfield Overland Mail coaches rumbled through the pass on their 24-day journey from St. Louis to San Francisco, pausing briefly at the adobe-walled Castle Gap station for fresh teams. Then they were off again, fording into the sunset. By 1866 the Goodnight-Loving cattle trail was firmly established at the gap, funneling tens of thousands of brawling longhorn cattle to the northern markets.
During this same period, legend holds that a treasure-laden aide of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, fleeing the country when the regime collapsed, buried gold and jewels in the area.
Dust of the pioneers settled long ago. Today Castle Gap slumbers peacefully, disturbed only by visitors, occasional treasure hunters and those who probe for ruins of the Butterfield station and the rapidly fading ruts of coach and wagon."
Feature Discription: natural mountain gap in the Castle Mountains
Web address for the route: [Web Link]
Beginning of the road: Many roads used this natural gap
Secondary Web Address: Not listed
End of the road: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
We ask that if you visit the site, please include a unique picture with your impressions of the location. If possible, and if you are not too shy, please include yourself and your group in the photo. Extra points will be given for your best buffalo imitation or if you are licking something salty.