Hoover, Laura and William Perry

Although Indians, Spaniards, wagon trains, and military expeditions crossed through this area earlier, the first permanent settlers in present-day Crockett County were native Texans Laura (McNutt) (1862-1941) and William Peery Hoover (1854-1922), who settled here in 1881. Traveling by way of the Devils River and Beaver Lake, they migrated to this area with two children and 200 head of longhorn cattle. Their first home, constructed of cedar pickets, was located under a bluff overlooking the Pecos River. The Hoovers had fourteen children, five of whom died in infancy. Isolated, the family had to be self-sufficient, since supply trips to the nearest towns, over 75 miles away, took several days. Laura and William Hoover steadily acquired land and their holdings grew to over 100,000 acres. Their cattle were identified by the "Hoo" brand. The Hoovers later moved to present-day Ozona (50 miles northeast) and became active in the development of the community. William was instrumental in the formation of Crockett County and helped organize the Ozona National Bank. 100 years after the Hoovers settled in this area, much of their land is still owned by descendants.

Hoover, Laura and William Perry is a historical marker in Hoover Divide, Crockett County, dedicated in 1981. It is one of 29 historical markers documented in Crockett County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 36 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.4890, -101.5922 near Hoover Divide. The nearest cataloged historic site is Unknown Graves (cemetery), about 9.8 miles away. Others within a short drive include Ruins of Fort Lancaster, Old Government Road, and Chihuahua Trail and Escondido Water Hole.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5105003049. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.