Marker Inscription
Crossing the Pecos River Canyon was the last major obstacle in the Souther Pacific Railroad faced in completing its southern transcontinental route linking New Orleans and San Francisco. At "Tunnel No. 2" was excavated on the west side of the canyon in 1882, a camp for the railroad workers was established near the site. Named Vinegarroon for a type of scorpion found in the area, the camp served as a temporary home for thousands of primarily Chinese laborers. Roy Bean had a saloon and served as Justice of the Peace in Vinegarroon until it was abandoned after the rail line was complete in 1883. (2001)
About this site
Site of Vinegarroon is a historical marker in Langtry, Val Verde County, dedicated in 2001. It is one of 61 historical markers documented in Val Verde County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 75 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 29.7659, -101.3871 near Langtry. The nearest cataloged historic site is Silver Spike, Southern Pacific Ceremony of, Near Site (historical marker), about 4.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Pecos River High Bridge, The Pecos River in Literature and Folklore, and Medal of Honor Fight, 1875.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5465012694. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
