Ector County

Duane's take

The way the official marker tells it, here's the story of Ector County. Created on February 26, 1887, carved right out of Tom Green County, though the county didn't get itself organized until January 15, 1891. Now that is a county that knew how to take its time.

And the name it carries? That belongs to one Matthew Duncan Ector, born in 1822, gone by 1879. The marker gives him three titles, and not a one of them is small.

Member of the Texas legislature. Confederate officer. And outstanding jurist.

Three distinct chapters in one man's life, and Ector County holds all of them in its name. Out there in West Texas, the county seat is Odessa, sitting at the heart of it all. That's the story according to the marker, a county born from legislation, organized years down the road, and named for a man who left his mark on law, on service, and on the record books of Texas history.

What the marker says

Created February 26, 1887 from Tom Green County organized January 15, 1891, named in honor of Matthew Duncan Ector 1822-1879. Member of the Texas legislature a confederate officer and outstanding jurist Odessa, The County Seat.