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History in
a Pecan Shell
Although there
was a post office here, there was really no permanent town. It was
primarily housing for the mines employees.
During wartime, mercury is an essential element. The discovery of
deposits of cinnabar in the region dates back to the 1800s. Mining
for the ore was by hand prior to WWII.
Mercury mining in Texas has all been located in what is known as the
"Terlingua District." The area is in both Brewster
and Presidio counties,
south of Alpine.
The Fresno Mines at Buena Suerte began production in 1940. During
both world wars, the United States led the world in Mercury production
By the end of World
War II, Spain and cash-strapped Italy flooded the market and the
Texas mines, including the one at Buena Suerte were closed. They would
open from time to time when prices were favorable, but there has been
virtually no production since 1973. |
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| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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