Discover Fort Stockton

Fort Stockton offers several distinct ways to explore its history: exhibits at the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum, preserved buildings at Historic Fort Stockton, and a self-guided drive through the historic district. There are also places with histories of their own, as well as opportunities to explore the natural environment of Comanche Springs. For your planning, you can therefore choose among collections, historic buildings, a tour, and outdoor activities.

Museums and Historic Places

The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum explores the history and development of Fort Stockton and the surrounding areas in thirteen rooms and a hidden courtyard. Its exhibits range from archaeology and geology to religion and ranching, as well as Hispanic heritage, pioneers, and early businesses. The breadth of its subject matter gives the museum a different focus from a visit to individual historic buildings.

Among the museum’s notable exhibits is the desk at which Sheriff A.J. Royal was murdered in 1894. Bloodstains remain in the drawer. This specific object connects the exhibit to a single event in the town’s history. If you’re interested in history, you can look at this individual historical artifact alongside the museum’s broader themes.

Historic Fort Stockton is open to visitors. The grounds include four preserved original buildings, including three officers’ quarters and the original guardhouse. There are also reconstructed barracks and kitchens, as well as a fort museum and visitor center. Preserved buildings and reconstructed elements stand side by side, helping you explore the site as a historic place without confusing it with a museum collection alone.

The Fort Stockton Visitor Center is located in the original 1911 depot of the Kansas City, Mexico, and Orient Railroad. From this historic depot and visitor center, the self-guided Historic Fort Stockton Driving Tour takes you through the historic district. The tour is 2.25 miles long. You can consider it as a separate option if you’d like to explore the historic sites by car.

History at Individual Sites

There are also specific historical connections outside the two museums. The historic Pecos County Jail houses the Pecos County Law Enforcement Museum. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church retains its original adobe walls and is one of the oldest adobe churches in the Trans-Pecos region. Each site has its own focus: one centers on the history of law enforcement, while the other preserves a historic building material and offers a glimpse into the church’s history.

The Grey Mule Saloon was built around 1890. In its early years, it was frequented by cowboys, Texas Rangers, and U.S. Army soldiers. Today, it is a wine bar serving wine, beer, and light meals; offerings may change. Here, the history of the building meets a contemporary dining and drinking experience. If you’re planning to visit for its current offerings, check ahead for the latest information.

Water and Nature at Comanche Springs

The Fort Stockton Water Carnival has been held annually at the Comanche Springs Pool since 1936. Event dates may vary, so check the dates if you’re planning your trip around it. The Comanche Springs Pool and Pavilion is built above a natural pool fed by Comanche Chief Spring. Seasonal details about the facility may change, so it’s worth checking the latest seasonal information before your visit.

The Comanche Creek Trail offers a different perspective on Comanche Springs: visitors can explore the springs’ flora and fauna along the trail. This is a different focus from the historic district or the exhibits. Paisano Pete is 22 feet long and 11 feet tall; visitors can take photos there.

Highlights for Your Stay

The options for exploring local history vary considerably in format: the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum presents its subjects in thirteen rooms and a courtyard, while the self-guided drive follows a specified route through the historic district. Historic Fort Stockton, meanwhile, features preserved original buildings and reconstructed elements. You can decide whether to focus on exhibits, buildings, or a drive, rather than treating all the offerings as the same kind of visit.

The nature and event offerings also have different considerations: the Water Carnival returns annually, but its dates may vary; the trail offers the opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of Comanche Springs. Gibbs Field is Fort Stockton’s airport and is used by private and commercial aircraft. This local information provides a factual context for planning a hotel stay in Fort Stockton without making assumptions about individual hotels or their amenities.

For the broader travel overview: Pecos County.