You are standing at the center point of this stage and the entire site radiates around this point and the totem in front of you. It's centricity is symbolic of the historical importance of the spring. For thousands of years, this spring was the ony true dependable water source for almost a 100 miles radius . Long before the horse, its importance was vital in the development of ancient trading routes used by the early nomadic tribes of what is now Texas. All trails in this region of the state led to the spring, for without it and its precious water, man could not have traveled or existed. Many Native American tribes knew of this place . . . the Comanche, Kiowa, Pawnee, Apache, Jumano and other more ancient peoples. It is mentioned in many of the earliest recorded writings of the region and in some of the oldest stories of the tribes.
Many early explorers came to this spot seeking its dependable crystal clear and cold waters. After Marcy’s well-documented expedition of 1849, the spring became critical in America’s massive migration to California and her gold fields. Thousands of pioneers in their Conestoga wagons came here and stocked up on their water supplies, as the next dependable water source was Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River, nearly 114 miles west of here.
Some of the largest buffalo slaughters in recorded history occurred near this site with tens of thousands being killed for their hides and to deprive the Comanche and Kiowa of their mainstay. So wild was the countryside here that in the first census of the town of Big Spring, 47 individuals were recorded and 25 of them were Texas Rangers.
Over time the ancient trading routes became heavily travel trails. The railroad followed the trails and then the Bankhead Highway followed the rail. The current Interstate Highway follows these same routes. Because of the spring, every town and city on Interstate 20 between Weatherford and El Paso exists in its geographic location. The spring’s importance in the development of Texas and the west cannot be overstated.
This site is the quintessential story of the American West. The native tribes, the explorers, the cattlemen, bandits, military expeditions, battles, and grand stories of survival took place here. The names represented on this totem before you are just a few of the great men and women who have lived, visited and sometimes died at this location. Come to the spring at sunrise or sunset and listen. See if you can hear the traces of the many thousands of men, women and children who have visited this site over the centuries. It is a site worth preserving, protecting and remembering.
To claim this virtual: (log your find then send your answers)
- What is the 11th name from the bottom of the totem?
- What is the 7th name from the top of the totem?
- (optional) share a photo of your group at the site
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.