The town of Fort Stockton dates from 1858, when the U.S. Army established a cavalry post on the site. The first stores opened in 1870, and the community prospered as a trade center for a large ranching empire. The Yates oil field was discovered around 1925 in eastern Pecos County. Giant drilling rigs are part of the landscape, and the oil and gas industries are the mainstays of the local economy. Measuring 20 feet long by 11 feet tall and weighing 860 pounds, the giant roadrunner statue affectionately called Paisano Pete is a town landmark. Learn More...