The Sand Hills

Mapped by U. S. Government, 1849, for gold seekers and settlers. Known earlier to Indians and many Spanish explorers. A 100-mile belt of sand in Winkler and 4 other Texas counties and in New Mexico. Width varies from 3 to 20 miles; outer dunes are held by dwarf oaks. Water at 2' depth supports willows, cottonwoods, and a plum thicket. (The plums gave food to early settlers.) Many dunes more than 70' high. Heavy, shifting sands a natural barrier to travel. Campsite and game reservation for Indians. Now part of expansive cattle ranges and rich oil fields.

The Sand Hills is a historical marker in Kermit, Winkler County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 15 historical markers documented in Winkler County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 17 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.9619, -102.9651 near Kermit. The nearest cataloged historic site is Winkler County (historical marker), about 0.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include Blue Mountain, Kermit's Oldest Home, and Moorhead Cable Tool Rig.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5495004561. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.