Marker Inscription
Explored the Concho River, 32 miles north of here, gathering information on Jumano Indians and searching for pearls, 1650. Setting out from Santa Fe, Capts. Hernan Martin and Diego Del Castillo traveled about 600 miles to the Jumano territory, where they stayed for 6 months. Further travels took them to the edge of the Texas nation, where they obtained the first information definitely about the tribe that gave Texas its name. The "discoveries" of their journey -- pearls and the Texas nation -- sparked later important Spanish expeditions to East Texas.
About this site
Martin-Castillo Expedition is a historical marker in Big Lake, Reagan County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 12 historical markers documented in Reagan County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 15 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.1952, -101.4608 near Big Lake. The nearest cataloged historic site is Reagan County Courthouse (courthouse), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Reagan, John H, First Bank in Big Lake, The, and Big Lake, City of.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5383003232. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
