Fort Stockton, Tx

I bet your asking yourself why Fort Stockton of all places. Well it's halfway between San Antonio and Las Cruces NM and it happens to be central to the things we want to explore.

Fort Stockton originally named Camp Stockton until 1860 had the third largest source of water (Comanche Springs) in Texas. Therefore, it became a favorite stopping place for cattle drives, infantry men, wagon trains and now us. With the discovery of oil and natural gas, today Fort Stockton is seeing an economic boom.

Sunrise over Fort Stockton

On the east end of the city welcoming us to Fort Stockton is a large silhouette "March to Fort Stockton". It depicts the 9th U.S. Cavalry, later known as "Buffalo Soldiers" riding towards Comanche Springs.

"Buffalo Soldiers"

Located in the center of town near the visitors center is Paisano Pete. Erected in 1980 "Pete" stands 11 feet tall and spans 22 feet long.

Paisano Pete the Roadrunner

Our visit to downtown Fort Stockton started at the visitors center where we toured around the grounds understanding some of the history in the area.

Visitors center

Surrounding the visitor center are terraced gardens, sculptures, and a water feature which all depict much of Fort Stockton's history. The water falls represents the importance of Comanche Springs while the silhouettes depict the Comanche People and Buffalo Soldier.

An old prank someone put soap in the water

Shows the importance of oil to the area

There are a number of key stops while taking the Historic Drive around Fort Stockton.

The start of Historic Fort Stockton

As we drove under the arch we stopped at what was the First National Bank. Built in 1913 this building now serves as home for the Fort Stockton Police Department.

First National Bank circa 1913

Moving down the road we came to the Annie Riggs Museum. Who is Annie Riggs well she was a woman before her time. When the world was dominated by men in 1904 Annie bought the Koehler Hotel property for $4,500. She renamed it the Riggs Hotel. Wood stoves in every room kept patrons warm at night while the adobe walls boasted the coolness in the summer. Lots of history in this place.

Riggs Hotel

Desk used by Annie Riggs

Very old wheelchair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Different types of Barbed Wire

Across the road from the Riggs Hotel is the  Pecos County Courthouse.

Circa 1913

The Pecos County Jail was built in 1883 and enlarged in 1913. It now houses a museum depicting a holding cell, local sheriffs, and law enforcement. Unfortunately it was closed so we couldn't investigate.

Pecos County Jail now a museum

Driving around Fort Stockton is not always about sunny skies and dry climate. The flood markers throughout the city tells a different tale. After living in El Paso I know what they mean when they say flash floods and torrent rains. Check out this flood marker. If you think they are kidding, think again.

Looks can be deceiving

Yes, there is a fort in Fort Stockton. In 1867 Fort Stockton was established at it's present location. The fort consisted of 35 buildings of which only 4 remain today.

The Guard House



Shackles

Solitary Confinement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old West wagon used in 2 John Wayne movies

The last stop along our historic tour of Fort Stockton was the Hovey School and St Stephens Episcopal Church. The school was built in 1917 at a railroad stop in Hovey. It served as a one teacher, seven grade schoolhouse. It was moved to this location in 1987.

Hovey school

The St. Stephens Episcopal Church was constructed in Pecos in 1896 and moved to Fort Stockton in 1958. It is one of the oldest protestant churches west of the Pecos.

St. Stephens Episcopal Church

To the west of the city is another silhouette representing a small hunting party of Comanche Indians. They are pausing to search for the few remaining buffalo.

"Look to the East"

 

Burrrrrrrrr Close The Door

As we pulled out of San Antonio to head further west we couldn't help but think that it was a good decision to stay here for the Christmas/New Years period. We had a ton of fun and we didn't get to see everything. Another reason to come back.

The day started out sunny and quite cool 28 F. As we moved closer to Fort Stockton it got colder. We stopped at a rest stop for lunch cause I'm thinking warm restrooms and hot water to wash my hands. Not! It was 19 F out. Susan didn't even want to get out of the truck, Lulu stood in one spot and shivered, Stuart with his long coat was having a great time. The restrooms were open air, the soap dispenser was frozen, there was no water coming from the taps, and sometimes you just wish you were a guy. Those seats are cold. I used the outside tap to wash my hands OMG that was cold. No outside picnic here so we ate on the road.

When we arrived at Hilltop RV Park it was beautiful and sunny but only 30 F. I connected the water knowing that I would disconnect it later today. The park itself sits on top of a hill overlooking the town of Fort Stockton, which is a couple miles away.

Registration Office

We were escorted to our site by the owner. He really didn't have to since the park is very small and you couldn't get lost. But it was a nice jester.

Our site # 46

Not much around except wide open space and lots of dust. The roads are somewhat crushed limestone with lots of rock. You can see for miles.

I-10 going west, like I said you can see for miles

Very clean bath house

Pretty much self explanatory

Susan they have a pool, it's 30 F out

Covered patios at some of the sites

The owners have done a great job decorating the park to take away the desolate look.

Yeah, fresh eggs

Fantastic metal work

 

On a Mission

With time in San Antonio coming to an end, it's hard to believe we've spent 2 weeks here already. In saying that I still wanted to see the local missions. The five missions that were established along the San Antonio River in the 1700's shows the success of Spain in moving northward from New Spain(present day Mexico).


Mission Map

Unable to see inside the Alamo on Christmas Day we started our mission trail there. Construction of the Alamo(originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero) began in 1724 and was the first mission on the San Antonio River . It played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. The history behind the Alamo is both fact and speculation. What is fact is the final assault came in March 1836 when General Santa Anna and his soldiers scaled the walls and rushed the compound. The Alamo became known as a heroic battle where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom against overwhelming odds.

The Long Barracks

You're not allowed to take pictures inside the Church. The Long Barrack is now a museum and houses exhibits about the Alamo.


Iron projectile points and flint knife blades

Center key was for The Alamo

Rifle & small knife belonged to Davy Crockett

Reproduction of Mexican uniform

The next mission along the trail which has been nicely marked by the National Park Service was Mission  Concepcion. Moved from East Texas in 1731, Concepcion is one of the oldest original stone churches.

Mission Concepcion

Services are still held today

Fresco is one of the most permanent ways of decorating. Pigment is applied to wet lime plaster, which absorbs the color.

Original fresco

Look Sue, it's a slot machine

Further down the trail was Mission San Jose which was considered the "Queen of the Missions". At the peak of development in 1768 there were 350 Indians residing in the mission.

Mission San Jose

 

Limestone church with Spanish colonial Baroque architecture

The Convento provided residence for missionaries and visitors 

Original fresco

The next mission was Mission San Juan which began in east Texas and reestablished on the San Antonio River in 1731.

Mission San Juan

Ruins of Indian living quarters

Lastly was Mission Espada which was established along the San Antonio River in 1731. Over a fifty year period the Spanish Franciscan taught Indians the principles of farming, ranching, blacksmithing, and much more. Beyond the walls of Mission Espada were peach orchards and fields of corn, beans, and melons.

Mission Espada

The Granary, a storage facility for surplus product

Indians quarters

Original mission walls remain

After all this church going you might think we are religious people. Well the story is I love old buildings with a history. Doesn't matter if it's a mission or a ghost town I love to investigate them. 

Downtown San Antonio

Beyond The Alamo and River walk there's a lot more to see in downtown San Antonio. We decided to explore the El Mercado market which is the largest Mexican shopping center in the city. It consists of indoor and outdoor shops with all the normal touristy stuff. You can buy anything from blankets, to pottery, leather purses, pure vanilla, and much, much more.

El Mercado Market

Feels like I'm in Mexico

Look at all those birds

Colourful pottery everywhere

Couldn't find anything in the market that we just had to have so we pushed on. This time we took the trolley to our next destination. It was super cheap and fun.

The trolley

Beautiful landscaping in downtown area

One of the most unique buildings in downtown San Antonio is the Emily Morgan Hotel. Overlooking the hollowed battlefield of The Alamo, this hotel was originally built as a medical center in 1924.

The Emily Morgan Hotel

Another building with lots of history is the Casino Club building on Market Street. It was San Antonio's first social club and theater formally opening in 1858.

The Casino Club Building

The Torch of Friendship is an abstract sculpture in downtown San Antonio that stands 65 feet high and weighs more than 45 tons. The sculpture was presented to the city from the Mexican government in 2002. In the background you can see The Tower of Americas.

The Torch of Friendship

All this sightseeing is making me hungry. When in downtown San Antonio you have to eat at The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum established in 1881.

Buckhorn

The Bar and Restaurant

Over 520 species of wildlife represented

Now before you think I like hunting, I don't. All these animals were mounted before I was even thought of. I came here for the food. We didn't go through the museum. Susan did try her hand in the shooting gallery. It's okay all the animals in the world are safe, she was 0 for 16 shots.

After lunch we went to Brackenridge Park for a walk but also to see some cool ducks. The San Antonio Zoo is attached to this park. As we walked by some people feeding the geese, one goose got very aggressive with Susan and bite her 6 times. Yes I came to her rescue.

Susan was goosed by this goose

An Egyptian Goose

A duck having a bad hair day

Lots of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks