History

Crockett County has a unique history to share. It was named in 1875 to commemorate the illustrious David Crockett of Alamo fame. He was killed in battle March 5, 1836, 5 months short of 50 years after his birth in Tennessee. He never trod the soil nor beheld its beauty, but he is forever linked to the county that proudly bears his name. 

Crockett County is the eighth largest of 254 counties in Texas and covers over 3,000 square miles of ruggedly beautiful west Texas. The one and only town within its boundaries is Ozona, which is known as "The Biggest Little Town in the World," with about 3,500 persons calling it "home". The town is un-incorporated and, although being rather isolated from other towns, is quite independent. Ranching and oil/gas businesses keep the economy steady and school activities keep everyone involved.

Crockett County is proud of its heritage, and the Museum on the square shelters the artifacts and shares the stories of its inhabitants from 10,000 B.C. to present day. To the traveler, a stop at the Museum promises a new appreciation for this area of West Texas, as the stories are told about how E.M. Powell acquired a lot of acreage around present-day Ozona. He had surveyed a lot of West Texas and the State paid him in land. He came out to see what was his and found a tree--just a live-oak tree--and Ozona grew up around this tree which still stands. There's a lot more to this story and the Museum invites everyone to come in and hear all of it--and more. Visit 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday (summer only).

Compiled by the Crockett County Museum

Be sure to visit our Interesting Facts and Crockett County Historical Markers pages for even more!

Thinking about visiting the area?
Learn about Ozona and Crockett County 
when you visit our Tourist Information page.