Shafter, Texas, once a thriving silver mining town on the eastern edge of the Chinati Mountains, is poised for a potential revival led by local billionaire John Poindexter. The community, which reached its peak in the early 20th century and produced more than 90 percent of the silver mined in Texas, has dwindled to about two dozen residents following the closure of the Presidio Mine in 1942. The mine shut down due to diminishing ore quality, flooding, and labor shortages during World War II, prompting most inhabitants to leave the area.
Over the recent Labor Day weekend, Shafter saw an influx of roughly 200 visitors who gathered at Poindexter’s invitation. Attendees included local officials, two Texas state legislators, a prominent Houston defense attorney, and representatives from Ojinaga, Mexico, located across the Rio Grande. Poindexter, who owns about one-fifth of the town’s center, envisions transforming Shafter into a living history museum and resort. His plans involve restoring key structures such as the saloon, post office, and general store, alongside offering rental accommodations in adobe residences.
Poindexter, 81, who often votes Republican and holds firm stances against illegal immigration, opposes federal border wall construction in nearby Big Bend National Park as well as an Australian company’s proposal to restart mining operations in Shafter. He expressed reservations about Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, citing concerns about Paxton’s background.
The Texas land tenure system, where approximately 95 percent of land is privately owned, often means the fate of small communities hinges on influential individuals like Poindexter. A Vietnam War veteran and Houston native, Poindexter founded J.B. Poindexter & Co. in 1985, which includes a range of manufacturing companies and reports annual revenues near $2.5 billion. He has placed the town property into the Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation, a nonprofit he funds, with the goal of preserving the historical and cultural legacy of the region.
This vision, however, contrasts with developments nearby. Federal contractors have begun clearing land in Big Bend National Park—about 60 miles southeast—for a border patrol road and vehicle barriers. These activities have been temporarily paused to allow for public input amid local law enforcement opposition. Meanwhile, Black Bear Minerals, an Australian firm, is preparing to restart operations at the Shafter mine, which last functioned in 2013.
During the weekend gathering, Poindexter emphasized Shafter’s cross-border heritage, acknowledging the longstanding ties between communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. State Senator Roland Gutierrez and State Representative Eddie Morales, both Democrats representing border regions, were among the invited speakers, along with former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and members of the Ojinaga delegation.
The future of Shafter remains uncertain amid competing interests involving historical preservation, economic development, and border security. Poindexter’s efforts to revive the ghost town as an educational site highlight a desire to honor previous generations, even as the region grapples with broader political and environmental challenges.