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HUNTING: With 1,800,000 acres and only one town, Crockett County offers those interested in hunting sports ample opportunity to practice their skills. Leases may be obtained on numerous ranches where animals, including deer, quail, turkey, javelina and more, may be hunted. These leases range from a single day to an entire season with many different terrains and facilities offered. For those who prefer to do their hunting with a camera, many ranchers offer leases during the off-season as well. A hunting lease availability list may be obtained by contacting the Ozona Chamber of Commerce at (325) 392-3737 or by checking the Hunting Leases section of this website.

DEERFEST: One of the most popular attractions in Ozona is the annual wild game dinner called the DeerFest. It is held the first Saturday in December of each year and is sponsored by the Crockett County DeerFest Association. The group provides an evening of entertainment with a delicious dinner of wild game which can include such delicacies as bear, crocodile, venison, turkey and much more. Numerous door prizes are given away. In 1997, two Polaris 4-wheelers, and many rifles and guns as well as gift certificates were given as prizes. Visitors come to Ozona from miles away to attend this annual event which grows from year to year. Proceeds from the ticket sales are put back int the community through worthwhile projects and organizations.

Ozona Stockman photo by Scotty Moore

 


 

DAVID CROCKETT FESTIVAL: Held in August, this event honors the fallen hero of the Alamo for which the county is named, David Crockett. The citizens are proud to honor and commemorate the life of such a great and honest man. The Crockett County residents are also joined by the descendants of David Crockett as they participate in many fun activities like arts and crafts booths,  children's games and activities, food booths, washer pitching tournament, and entertainment, from 10:00-6:00 p.m. Vendors welcome.  Contact the Ozona Chamber of Commerce at (325) 392-3737 for more information.

 


The Emerald House --- photo by Scotty Moore

THE EMERALD HOUSE: Although the history of the structure is unrecorded, it is known that the house was originally built in the town site of Emerald, which was nine miles east of the present site of Ozona. Emerald was established in 1889 as Crockett County's first settlement.

It was the colonization project of railroad agent T. A. Wilkinson. When Crockett County was organized formally in 1891, an election was held to determine the site of the county seat. Emerald lost its bid to the newly developing area that became the site for Ozona. Within a few years, many of Emerald's buildings, including this house, were moved to the new county seat. As a result, Emerald eventually disappeared. This house was located on one of Ozona's main streets until 1981, when it was moved to its present site in the city park. It has been owned by many of the town's prominent citizens through the years, including E. M. Powell, Phil Perner, W. A. Cochran, George L. Harrell, J. W. Friend, and E. B. Deland.


 

"The Tie That Binds" Sculpture:

This is a memorial to the pioneer families that came to settle this land and those that followed. It serves to remind us of the determination and perseverance these ancestors embodied as they looked ever westward until settling here in Crockett County. It was sculpted by Judy Black, a native of Crockett County, and is cast in bronze in life-and-a-quarter size. It may be found in the center of the town square.

Photo by Sandra Childress


Museum: While in Ozona you are invited to visit the Crockett County Museum. While touring the three floors you will experience the exciting history of Crockett County beginning with the Paleo-Indians. Let your imagination take you back to a time when mammoths roamed the county as you view the mammoth bones. As you walk through the period rooms on the second floor you will feel as if you have stepped back into time. The third floor is filled with artifacts from early photography tools, merchandise in a mercantile store, office and school memorabilia, tools of a working cowboy and much more. Be sure to let the kids take a break in our hands on room where they can dig for bones, rope a steer and have their photographs taken with western props while you browse in the gift shop.

Hours are Monday thru Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on all County observed holidays.

A donation of $2.00 per person over 12 years of age. $2.00 per person under 12 not accompanied by an adult.

Historical Markers: There are 11 local sites designated as Historical Markers, six of which are located just around the town square, all within walking distance. You can truly 'hang Your Hat In History' while visiting Ozona!

1. The Emerald House
2. The Perner House
3. Crockett County Courthouse
4. Ozona's Water System
5. Crockett County Jail
6. Ozona's Water System
7. Old Ozona Hotel
8. Ozona Heritage School Building
9. Old Ozona National Bank Building
10. Ozona Stockman
11. Civil War Veterans Cemetery

 

© 2007 The Ozona Stockman