Montvale
Historical marker location:The community of Montvale was established in 1884 when the pioneer settlement of St. Elmo was relocated here. Then a part of Tom Green County, Montvale was located on the Shafter Military Trail, an early road from Fort Concho.
A community school, the earliest in the area, was in operation by 1886. Three years later the town was platted by H. B. Tarver, the surveyor for Tom Green County. It is believed the settlement was named for a nearby hill referred to in Tarver's field notes as Mt. Vale.
Early businesses in Montvale included the saddle and harness shop of R. B. Cummins and the general store and blacksmith shop of B. Z. Cooper. The town was also the site of a Methodist church, a hotel, a post office and a variety of stores. About 1889 R. B. Cummins started the town of Cummins (5.4 miles northwest) upriver from Montvale. Both settlements began to decline in 1891 with the establishment of Sterling City (3.5 miles northwest) as the seat of government for the newly created Sterling County.
A community cemetery is all that remains of the townsite of Montvale, a pioneer settlement that played an important role in the area's development. (1982)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.
Like many other areas in Texas, Sterling County experienced a boom in population and economic development during the late 1800s due to the discovery of oil. The Texas & Pacific Railway line passing through the county further contributed to its growth, as it allowed for easier transportation of people and goods. Oil drilling and production became a major industry in Sterling County, attracting many workers and bringing prosperity to the area.
However, in the early 20th century, the oil boom began to decline, and the county faced economic challenges. Agriculture, particularly ranching, became the primary source of livelihood for the residents. The vast grasslands of Sterling County provided ample grazing opportunities, and cattle ranching became a key industry.
In recent years, Sterling County has embraced its rich natural resources and attracted tourists to enjoy its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing, and camping are popular recreational activities in the county, drawing visitors from both within and outside Texas. The county continues to maintain its rural character, offering a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike.
Sterling County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sterling County, Texas.
- 1885 - Sterling County established and named after W.S. Sterling, a buffalo hunter and early settler.
- 1890 - First post office opened in the county.
- 1895 - Sterling City, the county seat, founded.
- 1899 - First school established in the county.
- 1900 - Population of the county reaches 1,000.
- 1916 - Sterling City incorporated.
- 1924 - First oil well drilled in the county, leading to an oil boom.
- 1930s - Great Depression hits the county hard, but oil production helps the local economy.
- 1950s - Population of the county peaks at around 3,000.
- 1970s - Oil production declines, affecting the local economy.
- 1995 - Sterling City celebrates its centennial.
- 2000s - County experiences a decline in population due to economic changes.
- Present - Sterling County continues to rely on agriculture and oil production as important industries.