Texas Territorial Compromise of 1850

Four miles east of this site is an official corner post marking agreement of Texas to give up some of the land won in her 1836 war for independence. It also marks New Mexico's southeast corner. When Texas was annexed to the United States, 1846, her territory included 98,300 square miles now in the states of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Wyoming. After the Mexican War (fought 1846-1848, over the annexation), anti-slavery forces in the U. S. sought to trim the size of Texas, a slave state. To raise money and establish a definite boundary, Texas accepted the compromise of 1850 and agreed to give up a third of her area in return for payment of $10,000,000. The money paid debts of the former Republic of Texas, set up a $2,000,000 public school fund, and erected state buildings, including a new capitol (which subsequently burned in 1881). By the 1850 compromise, the western boundary of Texas follows the 103rd meridian south from 36* 30'; near here intersects the 32nd parallel, then goes west along the parallel to the Rio Grande. The corner marks not only a peaceable boundary pact, but also shows an unbroken stretch of Permian Basin lands, unified in geography and common goals. (1966)

Texas Territorial Compromise of 1850 is a historical marker in Kermit, Winkler County, dedicated in 1966. 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 32.0003, -103.1329 near Kermit. The nearest cataloged historic site is Winkler County (historical marker), about 10 miles away. Others within a short drive include Winkler County Courthouse, Winkler, Colonel C. M., and The Sand Hills.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5495005274. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.