Starting in the late 18th century through the later part of the 19th century the spring was virtually owned by the Comanche. Several branches of the Comanche war trail funneled through the Big Spring as they rode south to raid northern Mexico and Southeast to San Antonio and on to the newly arrived Anglo settlers of colonial Texas.
In the late 1800's the Buffalo were exterminated from the area and the Indians driven off the land. Then came the ranchers to use the Big Spring to water livestock.
Next the Texas and Pacific Railroad laid track a few miles north of the Big Spring. Pumps were added to the Big Spring to pump water for man, beast and steam engines. Water wells were drilled all around the country side. By 1917 the Big Spring had been pump dry.
If the Big Spring dried up in 1917 and the site of the Big Spring is listed in many sources as "location" of the historical spring where does the water in the hole pictured above come from. I have yet to find out. If you know drop me a line.
Update: 10 April 2020