Pendencia Creek is fed by Pena Springs (in the northwest corner of Maverick County), and it winds down into current day Dimmit County. Pendencia (meaning ‘fight‘) likely got its name in reference to the resistance offered by the Indians who were reluctant to leave their beautiful homeland.
It was a running stream in the 1860s when the first settlers began to arrive. Prior to the first wells being drilled in this area in 1884, the area around the springs was “like an oasis”, with willow trees, ferns, and abundant animal life (including alligators!). After springs dry up, a stand of oak trees may tenaciously remain in the location for many years.
The Pendencia Creek was the site of a settlement in the late 1850s. According to the 1860 Census of Maverick County, several homes on the Pendencia are deserted because of Indian troubles. (See Census notes)
Captain Levi English brought 400 settlers to the Carrizo Springs area in 1867. His own ranch was said to be located on the Pendencia. (See Jake English Papers for details) In 1870, an Army camp was also located in this vicinity. Many fierce battles were fought by Indians for their springs.
Source material from: “Dimmit County”, Springs of Texas, by Gunnar Brun and Helen C. Besse (GoogleBooks)
- TBD: Jim Lafferty and the gang that he ran with along the Pendencia.
Ref: Breaks of the Balcones.
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