Region: Big Bend Country
Small community that grew near extensive surface salt deposits left by intermittent lakes in Hudspeth County just west of the Guadalupe Mountains. Area was focus of bloody dispute known as the Salt War in 1860s and '70s. Before the dispute reached a confused, tragic end, it had involved both Mexican and U.S. citizens, political parties, judges, legislators, mob action, army troops and Texas Rangers. Murder, assassination and revenge killings took place on both sides. Some of the gray-white salt deposits may be seen today from U.S. 62/180.