Eden

Eden, on Hardin Branch, was established in 1882, the Handbook of Texas says. The Western Trail ran north through the center of the county, and near the site of Eden the Goodnight-Loving Trail branched off toward New Mexico. In 1912 the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe finished a line from Lometa to Eden; it was abandoned in 1972. By 1931, when the county seat of Paint Rock peaked at 1,000 people, Eden had passed it with 1,194, and afterward Paint Rock declined while Eden held steady. In the early twenty-first century the Handbook counted 2,725 people in Eden.

What the plaque says

Founded 1882. Incorporated 1910. Named for Frederick Ede, native of England and pioneer ranchman on whose land the town was located, and who donated land for this public square. Farming and ranching area. Wool and mohair marketing center. Elevation 2,052 feet. Location of Concho County Hospital. (1964)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Presidio de San Saba — 20 mi
  The ruins of the largest Spanish presidio in Texas, built in 1757 to guard a mission to the Lipan Apache, where the Comanche and their allies first turned back Spain's frontier.

More markers nearby

• General Ira C. Eaker — steps away
• Arroyo de Juan Lorenzo — 20 mi
• Mission Santa Cruz de San Saba — 20 mi
• Real Presidio de San Saba — 20 mi