Deep in the heart of Val Verde County, Comstock, Texas, stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit and turbulent history of the American West. This small community, situated approximately 29 miles northwest of Del Rio, traces its origins back to the late 19th century, profoundly shaped by the arrival of the railroad. The story of Comstock, Texas, is one of initial boom, frontier justice, and a quiet resilience that continues to define its character today, blending echoes of its past with the realities of modern rural life.
The genesis of Comstock can be accurately pinpointed to 1882, when the Galveston, Harrisburg, & San Antonio Railroad laid its tracks through this remote part of Texas. As was common for many burgeoning towns along new railway lines, the settlement initially bore a different name – Sotol City, or sometimes Soto City. However, this nomenclature was soon superseded, and the town was renamed Comstock, honoring a railroad dispatcher by the name of John B. Comstock. The original townsite, planned slightly east of its present location, underwent a strategic relocation. This move was prompted by the desire to leverage a natural lake for its water supply, a crucial resource in the arid Texan landscape. Today, the lake’s water supply remains, though often intermittent, reflecting the challenging environmental conditions that early settlers faced.
Early Development and the Fabric of Frontier Life
The establishment of a post office in 1888 marked a significant step in formalizing Comstock as a functioning community, providing vital communication links to the wider world. Concurrently, entrepreneur George Washington Ames opened the Ames General Store, an indispensable institution for the frontier populace. This establishment served as a comprehensive mercantile hub, supplying everything from daily groceries and building lumber to essential salt, livestock feed, and crucial ranching provisions. It was more than just a store; it was a lifeline for ranchers and residents alike.
Transportation and connectivity were further bolstered by the Deaton Stage Line, which commenced operations in 1888 and continued until 1910. This impressive six-horse stagecoach line provided mail delivery and freight hauling services, covering a formidable 80-mile route between Comstock and Ozona. The journey was so extensive that teams of horses had to be changed four times along the way, underscoring the demanding nature of frontier travel. For weary travelers passing through, the Phillips Hotel, established in 1889, offered a welcome respite and overnight accommodation. The following year saw the opening of the D.C. Denny Lumber Yard, which, in a colorful transformation characteristic of the era, later became Uncle Denny’s Saloon and Billiard Hall, catering to the social and recreational needs of the town’s residents.
Lawlessness and the Saga of Bud Newman
By the late 1890s, Comstock had gained a reputation as a rather lawless place, a reflection of the rough-and-tumble nature of the Texas frontier. A minor outlaw named Bud Newman became a central figure in this era, his presence contributing significantly to the town’s notoriety. In December 1895, Newman, who was engaged in the stock business, was embroiled in a fatal shootout near Kelly’s Saloon, resulting in the death of Shepard Baker. The two men had a long-standing feud, culminating when Baker, sitting in a wagon, took a shot at Newman. Newman retaliated, killing Baker. Despite the clear circumstances, Newman was acquitted of the crime, and Baker was subsequently buried in the Comstock graveyard.
Newman’s brush with the law was not his last. A year later, on December 20, 1896, a westbound passenger train was targeted by four outlaws near Cow Creek, less than a mile west of Comstock. The bandits tied up the train crew and made a concerted effort to open a large trans-continental safe, which was protected by a timer lock. Their efforts proved futile against the advanced security, and they ultimately had to settle for a paltry sum of about $70 from a smaller, less secure safe. The quick response of the county sheriff, who formed a local posse, and the subsequent involvement of several Texas Rangers, led to a swift pursuit. By December 27, Bud Newman was arrested along with three other men: Frank Gobble, Alex Purviance, and Rollie Shackleford. Purviance and Shackleford were each sentenced to five years in prison, while the fate of Frank Gobble’s trial remains unrecorded. Remarkably, Bud Newman, escaping justice yet again, was acquitted.
However, Newman’s luck eventually ran out. Two years later, on June 9, 1898, he conspired with Pierce Keaton and brothers Bill and Jeff Taylor in another attempt to rob a train, this time about four miles west of Santa Anna, Texas. The robbery quickly devolved into a violent gunfight. Railroad fireman Lee Johnson tragically lost his life, Newman sustained a gunshot wound to his arm, and Keaton was shot in the right leg. The outlaws fled the scene but were pursued relentlessly and quickly apprehended. Accustomed to avoiding consequences, Newman agreed to testify for the state in exchange for leniency. Yet, the story took another dramatic turn when Bill Taylor managed to escape. In August 1900, Taylor tracked Newman down, finally delivering his own brand of frontier justice and killing the elusive outlaw.
Evolution and Endurance Through the Ages
Beyond its dramatic encounters with lawlessness, Comstock also demonstrated signs of community growth and modernization. By 1901, a public school had been established in the town, staffed by one teacher and serving approximately 89 students, a clear indicator of a growing population and a commitment to education. While growth was steady over the ensuing decades, it remained relatively slow. The advent of the automobile age brought significant changes, rendering the horse-drawn stagecoach obsolete. Consequently, the Deaton Stage Line ceased its service to Comstock in 1914, and the local railroad depot soon followed suit, closing its doors as the town adapted to new modes of transport.
In 1925, Comstock’s population stood at around 200 people, supporting about ten local businesses. The onset of the Great Depression saw a slight contraction, reducing the number of businesses to eight, but the town experienced a resurgence during World War II. At its wartime peak, Comstock boasted 15 businesses and a population of approximately 400 people, benefiting from the economic activity associated with the national effort. However, this growth was temporary, and by 1950, the population had dropped to 300. Since that time, Comstock has seen slow but enduring growth, with a population recorded at about 216 people in 2020. This consistent, albeit modest, presence speaks to the resilience of this historic Texas town.
Conclusion: A Legacy Etched in the Landscape
From its humble beginnings as Sotol City, transformed by the railroad, to its lively yet volatile frontier period, Comstock, Texas, encapsulates much of the rugged charm and complex history of the Old West. Despite the ebb and flow of its population and economy, this small town has persevered, adapting to changing times while retaining echoes of its past. The tales of early settlers, essential businesses, and the dramatic confrontations with outlaws are all woven into the fabric of its identity. Today, Comstock serves as a quiet reminder of the intrepid individuals who built communities in challenging landscapes, a testament to enduring Texan spirit and the lasting legacy of a frontier town.
