Tag: Fort Stockton

Explore the Historic Landmarks of Fort Stockton, TX

by msminnie72, posted in Fort Stockton, Texas

A place where the tumbleweeds have the right of way and the wind is your constant travel companion. The kind of West Texas town that greets you with a giant roadrunner named Paisano Pete.

The unofficial town’s mascot and a great photo opp.

Historic Fort Stockton

The town of Fort Stockton grew around camp Stockton which was established in 1858. The fort itself was active from 1867 to 1886, guarding the vital waters of Comanche Springs and supporting mail routes, freight wagons, cattle drives, and emigrants heading west. The camp was named after Robert Field Stockton and was a place for protection for travelers between El Paso and San Antonio. Camanche Spring was a vital part of life in Fort Stockton as the 30 million gallon a day spring would water travelers and agriculture in the area.

The US army occupied the area until with 36 buildings and now only 4 original building stand.

The Best way to experience Fort Stockton

A self guided tour that allows visitors to experience Fort Stockton history. The tour begins at the visitor center at a old train depot that has been renovated. The tour is about 2-3 miles long with signs and descroptions along the way. After receiving our driving tour info, we walked around the center which housed these amazing large metal cutouts created by artist Brian Norwood depicting life in this area.

Next on our tour was the Historical First National Bank

After we were going to stop at the Gray Mule Saloon since it was in a old building but it didn’t open while we were there.

Next was the Annie Riggs Museum, which I spent quite a bit of time enjoying. The building itself was built in 1899 and Annie purchased the adobe building in 1904. She operated the place as a boarding house for travelers and cowboys and called it Riggs Hotel.

I would say she ran a tight ship!
She had the first electric stove in Fort Stockton in 1922!

Pecos County Courthouse

The county was created in 1871.

Next is the old County jail that was built in 1883. The bottom floor was for the sheriffs office and residence. The second story was for inmates with 5 cells that could hold up to 35 people. The jail section functioned as a jail until 1973 while the residence lasted until the year 2000.

Now to the oldest house in Fort Stockton.

This house was believed to be built between 1855-1860.
As you can see, steps are being taken to preseve what is left of the old adobe house.

Next was the Comanche Springs Pool and Pavilion which is located inside the James Rooney Memorial Park. It has a channel of the Comache Spring water. The pool was built over the “big Chief” spring in 1938. Due to irrigation needs up river, the springs quit flowing and now only flow in the late winter months.

From the backside in the park.
This is from the front looking through the gates.
The spring that runs through the park.
It looks like it can get pretty wide during the wet seasons.

I was lucky enough to get to go inside the pool area and was given a mini tour and history lesson.

It still gets a little water.
I believe this is originally where was the water would come in.

For more detailed information of the spring, visit https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/comanche-springs

St. Stephens Episcopal Church

This church was originally constructed in 1896 in Pecos, TX about 54 miles north of Fort Stockton. Services were continued until 1958 when the church scheduled for demolishion. The church was moved to Fort Stockton in the late 1950’s.

Then Historic Fort Stockton.

And we ended our tour at the old cementary.

Hilltop RV Park

We always stay at this RV park because it is so convenient. It is right off the 10 freeway and close to town in case we need to pick anything up. It is super windy up here.

You can see this flag on the hill for a couple miles on 10 freeway.
This park will also give you the most spectacular sunsets!

So if you ever find yourself in Fort Stockton, TX, take a look around the town and maybe talk with the locals and learn something new. Please hit the like and subscribe button to learn more about our amazing country.