First Deep Artesian Well
Cotulla, La Salle County, Texas
Marker Inscription
For many years, water scarcity stunted settlements in La Salle County. Wells and windmills failed to solve the problem. In 1910 at this site, Joseph Cotulla (1844-1923) explored and brought in artesian water from a depth of 2200 feet. Situated on his own ranch, the well provided amply for his household, livestock, and irrigated fields. His success led the city of Cotulla to bore its own artesian wells and generate prosperous civic growth. Joseph Cotulla's well at this site flowed for 52 years, until capped in 1962.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
For years the scarcity of water held back settlement in La Salle County, as wells and windmills alike came up dry. In 1910, town founder Joseph Cotulla struck artesian water at this site from 2,200 feet down, supplying his household, livestock and irrigated fields in abundance. His success prompted the city of Cotulla to drill its own wells, fueling civic growth; the original well flowed for 52 years before being capped in 1962.
Why it matters
It marks the moment when deep artesian drilling unlocked reliable water in arid South Texas, turning a struggling settlement into a prospering town.
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Related people
- · Joseph Cotulla
Themes & tags
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