Alpine A horseman at the South Double Diamond Ranch. Established prior to 1882; seat of Brewster County, a vast mountainous area of 5,935 square miles, the largest county in Texas. (As comparison, this single county is larger than state of Connecticut.) Today a retail center and shipping point for huge ranching area; headquarters for mining companies and home of Sul Ross State Univ. Climate and location make town popular vacation area. Visitors enjoy golfing, mountain climbing, horseback riding, rock and mineral collecting, swimming, and camping amid spectacular vistas. During seasons, hunters take mule and white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, javelina, and upland game birds.■ Bed and breakfast accommodations offered in historic buildings.■ For additional information on dining, accommodations, and events, stop by the chamber of commerce at 106 N. Third St., or call 915/837-2326.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Alpine: Balmorhea * Fort Davis * Marathon * Marfa
Anthony One of Texas' newest towns (incorporated in 1952); a two-state city. On Texas 20, which in this area follows historic route of El Camino Real, Spain's royal highway that connected Mexico with Texas, California, and Florida. In 1598 Don Juan de O╨ate and band of colonizers traveled this road to settle Santa Fe, at rate of only 40 miles in 15 days. Economy now keyed to food canning and packing, cotton, and federal correctional institution.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Anthony: El Paso
Balmorhea Established by firm of land promoters in 1906, town site was in center of 14,000-acre tract watered by famous San Solomon Springs. Today remains center of irrigated farming.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Balmorhea: Alpine * Fort Davis * Marfa * Pecos
Del Rio Ciudad Acuna welcomes arts & crafts shoppers. Bills itself as "Queen City of the Rio Grande," seat of Val Verde (green valley) County that covers more than 3,000 square miles. Agriculture includes cattle ranching, extensive production of sheep, lambs, wool, and mohair from Angora goats. Abundant hunting for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, javelina, dove and quail. Fishing, boating and water sports on Amistad Reservoir.■ With some 400 archaeological sites, area is among nation's richest in aboriginal cave paintings. See Amistad Recreation areas below, and Seminole Canyon State Park, LANGTRY.■ Local transportation makes it easy to visit Mexico just across the border. Regularly scheduled crossings throughout the day to Ciudad Acuna, see below.■ For complete visitor details, maps, brochures and Mexico information, visit the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, 1915 Ave. F; open weekdays; 210/775-3551.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Del Rio: Brackettville
El Paso Mountains overlook an El Paso golf course. Grew from earlier settlements dating back to the Juan de Onate expedition in 1598 and a settlement by Juan Maria Ponce de Leon 1827, although area missions predate that civil settlement by almost 150 years. Largest U.S. city on Mexican border; neighboring Juarez (below), is Mexico's largest border city. Combined populations are about two million. Located in ancient mountain pass from which the name derived; surrounded by mile-high peaks.■ Symphony orchestra, theatre, museums, libraries, and diversified sporting activities including horse and greyhound racing, polo, tennis, football, and basketball. Home of Univ. of Texas at El Paso, noted for Bhutanese-style architecture and Sun Bowl Stadium.■ El Pasoans celebrate Thanksgiving in spring, and claim the first celebration was 23 years before the Pilgrims' celebration. Gasper Perez de Villagra documented the hard journey of Juan de O╨ate's expedition. O╨ate and his travelers crossed the Rio Grande near El Paso on April 20, 1598, and feasted in thanksgiving. The El Paso Mission Trail Association celebrates the occasion on the last Sat. and Sun. in April in Chamizal National Memorial Park.■ Be sure to stop by the El Paso Saddle Blanket trading post at 601 N. Oregon. For 25 years, this unique store has been an El Paso fixture featuring blankets, rugs, Indian artifacts, and Mexican imports. For information, call 915/544-1000.■ For full details and literature on city attractions, visit El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1 Civic Center Plaza.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of El Paso: Anthony
Fort Davis McDonald Observatory at Mount Locke Established and grew under protection of U.S. Army post of the same name that was founded in 1854 at crossroads of famous Chihuahua Trail and Butterfield Overland Mail Route. Has served as county seat of Presidio County and later Jeff Davis County created largely from Presidio. Altitude and climate make it popular tourist and camping area. During seasons hunters seek plentiful mule deer and pronghorn antelope.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Fort Davis: Alpine * Balmorhea * Marfa
Fort Stockton The World's largest Roadrunner. Town developed with establishment of military post in 1859, an outpost on Butterfield Overland Mail Route at crossing of Old San Antonio Road and ancient Comanche War Trail. Popular with Indians long before white men arrived because of large springs nearby. Area was one of earliest irrigated farming efforts in Texas; some 8,000 acres irrigated as early as 1877. Today seat of Pecos County, retail and shipping headquarters for vast ranching, natural gas and oil activities, and major West Texas crossroads. Hunting excellent for mule deer and pronghorn antelope.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Fort Stockton: McCamey
Iraan With 1928 discovery of oil, town exploded into existence of hastily constructed frame buildings and tents. Name, chosen in a contest, combines names of the townsite owners, Ira and Ann Yates.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Iraan: Big Lake * McCamey * Ozona * Rankin
Kermit Winkler County seat was a mere village in 1926 when population of entire county was 81. Then oil was discovered nearby in the fabulous Permian Basin, and the boom was on. Today a center for oil and petroleum-based industries. County-owned golf course 7 miles west on Texas 302; open daily except Mon.■ For information on area attractions, dining, or events, stop by the chamber of commerce at 112 N. Poplar, or call 915/586-2507.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Kermit: Monahans * Odessa * Pecos
Kingsland At confluence of Llano and Colorado Rivers, spot was popular for fishing even before area lakes were built; trains brought fishermen at turn of the century. The scenic area is still popular with fishermen and water-sports enthusiasts who enjoy convenient access to present Lake Lyndon B. Johnson.■ Tres Lagunas Golf Club offers 18 holes, 7,200 yds., par 72, rating 71.6; public play.■ The small Hill Country town is at the north end of Lake LBJ on F.M. 1431.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Kingsland: Blanco * Buchanan Dam * Burnet * Dripping Springs * Fredericksburg * Johnson City * Lago Vista * Lampasas * Llano * Luckenbach * Marble Falls * San Saba * Stonewall
Lajitas (La-HEE-tahs) On F.M. 170 at the western edge of Big Bend National Park, the village name is Spanish for "flagstones," of which there are prominent outcroppings in the area. First became a village in 1915 when an Army post was stationed to protect Big Bend area from flamboyant Mexican bandit Francisco (Pancho) Villa.■ Recent developments feature a modern motel and resort complex with golf course, river rafting, swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, restaurant, and genuine-looking "frontier" building styles with plank sidewalks and hitching rails. Inquire locally about all facilities. Caters to visitors year round; winter season most popular. 915/424-3471.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Lajitas: Presidio * Study Butte * Terlingua
Langtry Judge Roy Bean Visitor's Center In deep Southwest Texas by the Rio Grande, the village was established 1881 when Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway was building through; was junction of construction from east and west. Two origins of town's name exist; one prosaic, the other romantic. One credits town name to a civil engineer named Langtry who directed group of Chinese laborers in railroad construction. But colorful Judge Roy Bean (see below) insisted he named town after his idol, English actress Lillie Langtry, the "Jersey Lily."■ High Bridge Adventures offers scenic boat tours on Pecos River and Rio Grande. For information/reservations, write to PO Box 816, Comstock, TX 78837 or call 915/292-4495.■ Primitive camping is available along the Devil's River at Baker's Crossing. For information, write HC 69, Box 200, Comstock, TX 78837, or call 915/292-4503.
Marfa Established 1881 as water stop of Texas and New Orleans RR, now trading point for many large ranches in surrounding mountains. Superb climate makes Marfa a popular tourist center. In season, hunters are attracted by plentiful mule deer and pronghorn antelope.■ Soaring is a popular sport, and sailplanes may sometimes be seen winging gracefully over high mesas and mile-high peaks; three national championships and nation's only world championship soaring contest were staged here in recent years.■ Check out the El Paisano Hotel. In 1955 it served as base of operations for filmmaker George Stevens while filming the movie "Giant."■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Marfa: Alpine * Balmorhea * Fort Davis * Marathon
McCamey Before 1920, only a lone boxcar occasionally stood on siding at this featureless site. Then an oil driller named McCamey hit a gusher. In less than a year, McCamey was brawling boom town of 10,000 housed in tents and hastily constructed buildings. Much quieted, McCamey today is still a center of oil activity and is livestock shipping point for surrounding ranches.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of McCamey: Big Lake * Fort Stockton * Iraan * Rankin
Midland Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Library and Hall of Fame City lies on former Chihuahua Trail, Emigrant Road to California, and Comanche War Trail; named for location halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso. Established in 1885; predominant economic basis was agricultural until 1923 discovery of oil in Permian Basin. Through "booms" and "busts" city has grown and developed with high-rise buildings, strong educational system and dedication to fine arts.■ Midland Angels, franchised by the California Angels, play AA professional baseball Apr. - Aug.■ Craving sweets? Stop by Susie's South Forty Confections for tasty Texas Pecan Toffee. Kitchen and gift shop on Old Lamesa Rd. (South County Rd. 1180) 1/2 mile south of I-20, Exit 137. Open Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. For information, call 915/570-4040.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Midland: Big Spring * Lamesa * Odessa * Stanton
Monahans Monahans Sandhills State Park Spanish explorers crossed area of present Ward County more than 400 years ago, but it remained undisturbed habitat of Indians until mid-1800s. City established about 1881 as stop on Texas and Pacific Railroad, building west from Fort Worth. County seat, today a financial and marketing center for more than 800 square miles of cattle and oil country.■ Oil wells, drilled at a distance from the downtown area, are slanted to draw oil from beneath city hall, courthouse, banks and business houses.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Monahans: Kermit * Odessa * Pecos
Marathon The front of the Gage Hotel in Marathon Historical evidence in the West Texas Chihuahuan Desert region indicates habitation for centuries prior to arrival of white men. Fort Pena established there 1879 to guard frontier against Indian uprisings; town developed 1882 with arrival of Texas and New Orleans Railroad. Name suggested by sea captain who said the area reminded him of Marathon, Greece. Today the town on U.S. 90 at the junction with U.S. 385 is a tourist crossroads, a major gateway to Big Bend National Park, and a headquarters for vast ranching activities. Ft. Pena/Colorado County Park, locally known as "the post," 4 miles south of town, is surrounded by mountains; a popular place to picnic and swim.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Marathon: Alpine * Marfa * Sanderson
Odessa The World's Largest Jackrabbit in Odessa Established 1881 as stop on Texas and Pacific Railroad.; City is in heart of vast area that was once an ancient sea. Area today, geologically speaking, is known as the Permian Basin, containing tremendous quantities of anhydrite, potassium salt, natural gas and oil. Oil boom beginning in 1929 brought great population growth. Midland/Odessa Symphony orchestra and chorale, Permian Playhouse and Globe of the Great Southwest Theaters. Two public golf courses, Sunset Golf and Ratliff Ranch Golf Links, which is one of top public courses in Texas. City is home of Odessa College and Univ. of Texas of the Permian Basin.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Odessa: Kermit * Midland * Monahans * Stanton
Pecos Bronc-riding is a popular rodeo event Established 1881 as stop on Texas and Pacific Railroad, Pecos gained early fame as hangout for rowdy cowboys and fast-draw lawmen. Touted as "Home of World's First Rodeo," Pecos was scene of cowboy contest in 1883 that was forerunner of today's popular sport. (West of the Pecos Rodeo, 4th of July, re-enacts 1883 events.) Today a hub of travel both east-west and north-south; commercial center for ranching, irrigated farming, produce processing, and oil production. Area hunting for mule deer, javelina, upland game birds. Visit the chamber of commerce, 111 S. Cedar St. (U.S. 285) for details.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Pecos: Balmorhea * Kermit * Monahans
Pine Springs The brilliant fall colors in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park The tiny community on U.S. 62/180 just south of the New Mexico state line was the location of a station on famous stagecoach run, Butterfield Overland Mail Route. Station was established in 1858; tumbled stone ruins and a granite historical marker are all that remain today.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Pine Springs: Salt Flat
Presidio The sun retreats over the Rio Grande Isolated village on Rio Grande that grew from early Spanish settlement once protected by a presidio (fort). Surrounding terrain arid, rugged, and often spectacular (see Scenic Drive below). Mexican town south of the river is Ojinaga.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Presidio: Lajitas * Terlingua
Sanderson Originally named Strawbridge when the Texas and New Orleans Railroad reached the townsite. When the railroad established a roundhouse and service facilities in 1881, it was renamed Sanderson for the railroad construction engineer. Terrell County was created out of Pecos County in 1905, and Sanderson was designated county seat. Main stream of economy is gas and oil production and ranching.■ Many visitors to the Big Bend take Texas 349 from I-10 at Sheffield to U.S. 90 to Sanderson for a scenic route to the national park.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Sanderson: Marathon
Salt Flat Small community that grew near extensive surface salt deposits left by intermittent lakes in Hudspeth County just west of the Guadalupe Mountains. Area was focus of bloody dispute known as the Salt War in 1860s and '70s. Before the dispute reached a confused, tragic end, it had involved both Mexican and U.S. citizens, political parties, judges, legislators, mob action, army troops and Texas Rangers. Murder, assassination and revenge killings took place on both sides. Some of the gray-white salt deposits may be seen today from U.S. 62/180.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Salt Flat: Pine Springs * Sierra Blanca * Van Horn
Sierra Blanca Now on modern I-10 in far West Texas, town grew at juncture of the nation's second transcontinental rail route in 1881 (Southern Pacific and Texas & Pacific). Historical marker commemorates the event downtown at corner of Sierra Blanca Ave. and U.S. 80. Town named for Sierra Blanca Mountain (6,950 ft.) just northwest.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Sierra Blanca: Salt Flat * Van Horn
Study Butte The wild, harsh region of the Big Bend was for centuries only the retreat of bandits, smugglers and fierce Apache and Comanche warriors. Civilization came slowly, was admitted grudgingly, and at the first opportunity was swept away as an intruder in this primitive land. Rich deposits of mercury were discovered here about 1900, and the mining town of Study Butte (Stew-dy Beaut) came into being around the Big Bend Cinnabar Mine, managed by Will Study. But fame and progress, elusive as the quicksilver itself, faded as the mine became less and less profitable and was closed in the early 1940s. Today a few families live among old stone and adobe structures. Visitors pause to absorb silent impressions of a colorful past, and occasional rockhounds search tailing heaps for fragments of cinnabar, agate, and other colorful rocks. Located on Texas 118 at western edge of Big Bend National Park.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Study Butte: Lajitas * Terlingua
Terlingua Ghost town near Terlingua In the 1800s area around Terlingua was inhabited by a few scattered Mexican herders, living in a precarious relationship with Apache and Comanche Indians who regularly moved through the wild country. Mercury was discovered in 1890, and soon thriving city of almost 2,000 was devoting its energies to extracting the rich red ore (cinnabar) from beneath barren hills. Millions of dollars worth of quicksilver was marketed before the boom tapered off. The hundreds of wooden shacks are gone entirely; many rock and adobe buildings stand roofless, walls crumbling.■ Some modern residents have come of late--leisure homes in the remote desert setting, a country store with grocery staples, souvenirs and mineral specimens, a few motel-type accommodations, and a rustic, home-cooking-style restaurant. The ghost town is near the western edge of Big Bend National Park, off F.M. 170.■ Once a year, on the first Sat. in Nov., some 5,000 "chiliheads" converge on the desolate area for the International Championship Chili Cookoffs. The first, started in 1967 as a contest both of wit and chili between humorists Wick Fowler and H. Allen Smith, has become a cherished Texas tradition. The other contest includes individuals and representatives from the Chili Appreciation Society International; Texas is represented by the winner of an earlier state chili cookoff in San Marcos. Aircraft from across the nation crowd the dirt airstrip, and because there are few accommodations in the desert wilderness, RVs and makeshift facilities are much in evidence. Zany entertainment coexists with the showmanship of chili chefs concocting their steaming "bowls of red."■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Terlingua: Lajitas * Presidio * Study Butte
Van Horn Grew from wayfaring stop on historic Bankhead Highway and Old Spanish Trail from San Antonio to California in mid-1800s. Still a primary road junction of I-10 (U.S. 80), U.S. 90 and Texas 54, and hub to several state and national parks; in a broad basin devoted to irrigated farming, surrounded by Van Horn, Sierra Diablo and Apache Mountains. Mining includes talc, sulfur and marble, plus undeveloped indications of copper, uranium and feldspar. A popular stop for east-west or north-south travelers; caters to longer-staying vacationers with sunny climate, interesting rock and mineral deposits, hunting for mule deer, pronghorn antelope and upland game birds.■ John Madden, colorful television football broadcaster, designated Chuy's Restaurant for his "Haul of Fame." Madden frequently crisscrosses the country in his bus to broadcast games. Just before Super Bowl weekend, he annually names his "All-Madden Team." Plaques and photos of inductees hang in the restaurant at 1200 W. Business Loop 10.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Van Horn: Salt Flat * Sierra Blanca
