Details for Blue Mountain

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5495000439

Data

Marker Number 439
Atlas Number 5495000439
Marker Title Blue Mountain
Index Entry Blue Mountain
Address SH 302
City Kermit
County Winkler
UTM Zone 13
UTM Easting 702609
UTM Northing 3530597
Subject Codes natural features; geology; Native Americans; water topics
Marker Year 1964
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location N side SH 302, 14.9 mi. E of Kermit, 3.4 mi. W of S Wheeler Road (CR 307), 3.5 mi. W of Ector County line.
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text (4.5 mi N) Winkler County's highest point (3400 ft.), "Blue Mountain" is actually not a mountain, but is instead the southern escarpment of the Llano Estacado. The site has long served as a lookout and landmark on the west Texas plains, as well as a dependable location for fuel, shelter and water. A 1938 archeological excavation of rock shelters located along the ridge of the feature unveiled signs of prolonged occupation, such as mortar holes and pictographs on the shelters' walls, including images of human hands, serpents, horses and geometric patterns. A spring that once flowed near the rock shelter has become dry due to the lowering of the underground water table. (1964, 2009)

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