Cross

Cross began in the mid-1870s as Nopal, the Spanish word for prickly pear. By 1883 it had a small store, two houses and a one-room school, and it kept a post office from 1889 to 1891. In 1925 it was renamed for a grocer named Cross and got a new post office, which closed in 1934, when about fifteen people lived there. A larger stone schoolhouse went up in 1938 and closed in 1945. The old school then served as a community center for elections and revivals.

What the plaque says

Cross This community (earlier known as Nopal, San Miguel, Franklin) is one of area's first permanent settlements. Named for Samuel C. Cross, who opened grocery store, became first postmaster, 1924. Post office closed, 1934. Gas well completed nearby, 1953, was largest in state at that time. Ranching also is important to economy. (1967)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Choke Canyon State Park — 14 mi
  A reservoir state park on the Frio River in two units, built after a 1982 dam, with birds, alligators and fishing on land people have crossed for more than 10,000 years.
• Atascosa County Courthouse — 22 mi
  The only surviving Mission Revival courthouse in Texas, built in 1912-13 on Jourdanton's town circle after a county seat vote that some residents still call a theft.

More markers nearby

• Franklin Ranch — 1.4 mi
• Camp Rio Frio, C.S.A. — 9.5 mi
• Moses William Hindes — 9.7 mi
• Boot Hill Cemetery — 9.7 mi