County Seat: Ozona * County Population: 3,719 (2010 U.S. Census)
The 1902 Crockett County Courthouse, the county’s second temple of justice, is aptly described in the capitol’s historical marker text:
“Built 1902. Second courthouse for county. American Gothic architecture, planned by Oscar Ruffini, San Angelo. Material is fine stone quarried nearby on Meyer and Couch properties. Cost $30,000. Early day community social center. Used for cowboy dances, box suppers, Christmas trees, roundup celebrations. In 1909 arc light was added to steeple, to signal sheriff and guide travelers to town.”
Commissioners Court meetings first took place underneath a live oak tree until the county raised a two-story capitol in the 1890s fashioned of lumber hauled in from San Angelo. The courthouse was converted into a school following the completion of the present capitol, built of stone for some $30,000.
Crockett County was created in 1876 and named for Davy Crockett. Ozona, the one and only city, serves as county seat; the history of its christening is somewhat vague, although some attribute the naming to Charles E. Davidson, County Judge for 52 years, who most likely selected the name in reference to the fresh air of the region.
Crockett is about three times the size of most Texas counties and offers an attractive mix of history and charm. Fort Lancaster was one of four posts established in 1855 to protect the military route between San Antonio and El Paso. The site invites visitors to wander through ruins and enjoy a spectacular view afforded by the Pecos River valley.
The Crockett County Museum features an award-winning Indian Exhibit, not to mention a general store, bank room, saddle room, school room and many other exhibits that give a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage.
The Ozona Town Square is a natural draw for both locals and visitors and is home to the Tie That Binds Sculpture, a memorial to pioneer families, and the Davy Crockett Monument.
The community turns out for a variety of special events including April’s Levis & Lace Square Dance Festival and the Countywide Easter Egg Hunt; May’s Memorial Day Celebration, Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival and Western Frontier Days; July’s GI Joe Veterans Walk/Run and the Knights of Columbus Independence Day Celebration; October’s Annual Davy Crockett Fall Festival on the Town Square; November’s Veteran’s Day Appreciation Banquet and Community Thanksgiving Service; and December’s Crockett County Museum Wool & Mohair Style Show, Crockett County 4-H Livestock Show, Annual Deerfest Hunter Appreciation Dinner, and the Community Christmas Cantata, to name a few.
COUNTY JUDGE
Fred Deaton
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Precinct 1
Frank Tambunga
Precinct 2
Pleas Childress III
Precinct 3
Randy Branch
Precinct 4
Eligio Martinez