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History in
a Pecan ShellThe
families of Lawrence Pike and Augustin Heard, arrived here from Williamson County
around 1876. It is believed that John Reagan is the community’s namesake. Reagan
exploited the natural springs that had been released in the 1880s by a well-digger
named J. H. Hammer.
It was Reagan that built the community’s first hotel
– a two-story edifice that was expanded into a health resort by subsequent owners.
In 1912 a general store was built across from the wells with a post office. The
1914 population was a mere 50 (permanent residents).
After declining to
20 residents, the community remained at that level through the Great Depression
and WWII. After the war
the bathing facilities closed and in 1970 the post office shut it’s doors.
In the early 1970s an all-Christian nonprofit organization called the Steps of
Faith Ranch took over ownership of the former resort. It remains today as a rehabilitation
center for troubled youths. The population for both 1990 and 2000 was 20.
Photographer's
Note:
Reagan Wells, Texas
Second Community
on FM-1051 of the 3 visited (Aldine, Reagan Wells
and Heard). Still quite a few homes in this community.
Only 1 of the 3 I would call still active. Even though this Marker
is located in Reagan Wells it probably goes more with the next communty down the
road- Heard, TX. -
William
Beauchamp, June 2010 |
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Historical
Marker TextDry Frio
CanyonArea's first
settlers--families of Louis Bohme, Charles Jones, Gus Heard and Lawrence Pike
Heard-- arrived in 1875 in search of new frontiers and range lands.
The
first post office was called Heard, as was the first school, which opened in 1880.
While digging a well in 1885, T. H. Hammer discovered area's mineral water
which became famous for medicinal qualities. He later sold his property to a promoter
named Reagan who built a bath house and hotel to sell mineral water.
Baptist
Church, founded 1906, was first local house of worship. |
1920s
Uvalde County map showing Reagan Wells.
(N of Uvalde.
Above "A" in "U-V-A-L-D-E")
Photo courtesy Texas General
Land Office | |
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