Nature
Comanche Springs was a group of six artesian springs in West Texas that created a vital oasis between the Edwards Plateau and the Trans-Pecos. Used since the Pre-Columbian era by the Jumano and later by Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa, it was also visited by Spanish-era explorers and travelers. As a key watering place on the Comanche Trail, it supported hunting, travel, and conflict across the region. Its strategic importance grew in the 19th century when Camp Stockton was established there in 1859, helping protect major transportation routes and giving rise to Fort Stockton. Heavy irrigation after 1875 overdrafted the aquifer, and the springs eventually went dry.
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Fort Stockton, Texas · United States
