Fort Stockton was going to be a stop off place on our way to Carlsbad, NM. We weren't sure of even staying there because so many of the RV Parks on the RV park reviews were bad. We picked the Fort Stockton RV Park because it seemed like the best one there... We were right!!! It was very nice and the people running it were great. We had 50 Amp, water & sewer plus both At&T & Verizon worked good there. As an added bonus they had a restaurant right on the grounds for people who stayed there... The food was very good (home cooking)! The other RV Parks are pretty dumpy especially Parkview. So if you stop here beware... We had to go into town which was pretty run down BUT we found out they had a Historic District with the FORT so we made a decision to stay another night and take in the area. Glad we did! They are trying very hard to make there town a better place for visitors to come to but they have a long way to go. This is Paisano Pete (Worlds Largest Roadrunner standing 11' tall & 22' long) welcoming you to the city.
The courthouse was built in 1912 and the original jail was in 1883
The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum was originally the Riggs Hotel built in 1899. It is an excellent example of Territorial Architecture built of adobe with Victorian wood trim, and houses exhibits on area history.
The Oldest House is believed to have been the sutler's store at Camp Stockton. As you can see it is in horrible condition and has been vandalized. A shelter was built above it to protect it from the elements... Sadly I don't see how they will restore it.
Grey Mule Saloon built in the early 1890's and St. Joseph Catholic Church first church in Fort Stockton built 1883
Picture on left is the Rollins-Sibley House which was built in 1906 on the foundation of the Old Fort Hospital and the picture on the right is the St. Stephens Episcopal Church built in 1896. It was one of the first Protestant
Churches built west of the Pecos River.
Historic Fort Stockton
Historic Fort Stockton (1867-1886) is the main focus of this tour... On the grounds is the Guard House, parade field, 3 remaining Officers Quarters that are left (homes) and the enlisted men's barracks (which has a museum in it)...
This wagon was used in the movies "The Comancheros" & Undefeated" starring John Wayne... Ralph just had to touch and rub the wagon that The Duke sat upon....
On the left Soldier Barracks and
on the right 2 of the houses that the Officers lived in...
On the left is the Old Fort Cemetery where only a few markers show anyone over the age of 40. A testimony to the hard frontier life. It was used from 1875 - 1912: The picture on the right is of a Montgomery Wards house which we found amazing... we knew about Sears homes but never knew about Montgomery Wards... House was from the late 1920's. 
It was a fun day visiting Historic Fort Stockton and that is all there is to do in this town... So if you ever visit Fort Stockton plan on only a 2 night stay and stay at Fort Stockton RV Park... Like I said before there are several other campgrounds BUT trust me you wouldn't want to stay at any other.
Until Later... Have FUN, Travel Safe & Enjoy Everyday!
10 comments:
very interesting tour ...... you have a talent for details!
On past trips we've just pretty much buzzed right by Ft. Stockton. We may have to stop sometime and give it a closer look. Thanks for all the great info.
Before, I always thought [we have stayed overnight in hotels there many times] ---I always told Bud that if God wanted to give us Texans an enema, this is where he'd stick the syringe. From our standpoint while staying overnight there we always thought it was a desolate hole in the wall...but I must tell Bud what y'all found!! Never knew any of this before LOLOL.
Montgomary Ward made pre-fab houses too? See, ya learn something new every day!
Justine :o )
Loved your post! Pam and I just finished reading Texas by James Michener and I love the historical tour you gave us!
Thanks for the tip on where to stay. After we leave Deming tomorrow we are headed to Fort Stockton!
Thanks for another great historical tour with great pictures, Donna. Your blogs are certainly adding to our future itinerary! I'm looking forward to your blogs about Carlsbad as we are heading that way in April.
Loved hearing about the visit. I'm glad you found a nice place to stay.
Mama Bear
You've added another target in our future itinerary. We'll have to live a long long time to see everything everyone is pointing us to -- better takwe good acre of ourselves!
Thanks for the tour of Ft. Stockton and the heads up on the RV parks. You know me, I love history! I find it all very fascinating. Great pics!
Safe travels,
Gerri
The oldest house was my grandparents they lived there for many years ....Garcia family.. it was donated to the city
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