Welcome!A West Texas "welcome" is the friendliest greeting in the whole world; and Pecos is as "West Texas" as it gets! To receive a Pecos welcome, just stop! Stop at the excellent park and zoo, at the authentic frontier hotel that's now a museum. Stop anywhere in the town of Pecos - but first stop at the Chamber of Commerce for details and information; on Cedar Street (US 285) near First Street.
Pecos BillVerses about the mythical cowboy were fabricated by old-time cowhands in their bunkhouses and beside range campfires. Passed from ranch to ranch with new verses, the deeds of Pecos Bill were part of the range cowboys' homemade entertainment. Versions varied but most agreed that he was the youngest of 18 children and that he was separated from his family at a crossing of the Pecos River. Pecos Bill was raised by coyotes until a cowboy convinced him of his real identity. Then, according to his cowhand storytellers, Pecos Bill taught gophers to dig holes for fence-posts, rode everything from mountain lions to cyclones, and roped huge herds with one loop of his lariat. Range-hardened old-timers said Bill died from laughing- "at the dudes who call themselves cowboys."
Ride 'em, Cowboy!Pecos Bill would have taken all the prizes if he'd been on a dusty street
in Pecos back in 1883. As it was, cowboys from rival ranches competed for the prizes and bragging rights in what Pecos claims was the world's first rodeo. Although other towns dispute that claim, the fact remains that in July 1883 Trav Windham, foreman of the Lazy Y, won a $40 prize for roping and tying his steer in 22 seconds in the middle of Oak Street - the same Trav Windham who was still leading rodeo parades in the 1930s! You're the lucky visitor if you're in Pecos around July 4th - that's rodeo time at the granddaddy of 'em all!
This LandIn the rolling-to-mountainous 2,600 square miles that make up Reeves County, ranches here average 15,000 arid acres. World-famous Pecos cantaloupes grow here, too. To the southwest gush the San Solomon Springs in the fertile fields of Madera Valley. The land slopes from the Davis Mountains in the southwest to the county's northeastern boundary - the Pecos River. To the north near the New Mexico line is Red Bluff Lake, an impoundment of the Pecos.
The Pecos rises in the mountains southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico, winds south 260 miles, and enters Texas. Due to diversions and impoundments, the river today little resembles the raging torrent that was the Pecos River of a century ago that westward-bound settlers approached with trepidation. More than just another river to cross - the Pecos marked the beginning
of a lawless land where the nearest semblance of law and order was self-appointed Judge Roy Bean in Langtry, far to the south. (A replica in Pecos of the judge's Jersey Lily saloon/courtroom is a favored locale for snapshots.)
Pecos CityIn 1881 workers pushed the steel rails of the Texas & Pacific across Reeves County, leaving a stop named Pecos Station on the banks of the Pecos River. Pecos Callahan, son of the railway agent who doubled as postmaster, was the first white child born here in the lawless years. "Pecosin'" became a term for dumping murder victims into the Pecos River, until the county was organized and law came to Pecos City.
West of the Pecos MuseumStep back into Pecos' colorful heritage as you enter the West of the Pecos Museum (the bullet hole near the door is from a long-ago gunfight). Now filled with memorabilia, mementoes, and artifacts, the three stories of rooms in the old Orient Hotel across from the railroad station served travelers until the 1950s. Exhibits show life as it was for lawman, rancher and rancher's wife, doctor, barber, schoolmarm, and saloonkeeper.
Examine a collection of Indian artifacts, and survey the bedroom and parlor of the old bridal suite. In the courtyard you'll find the old jail and hanging tree, the oldest house in Pecos, and the grave of gunfighter Clay Allison. During the
cantaloupe season, visitors are served a slice of the renowned Pecos melons. Museum hours are 9-5 Monday through Saturday, 2-5 Sunday (6 p.m. closing in summer); downtown adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce (corner of first Street and Cedar - US 285).
The Gentleman Gunfighter Born in Tennessee around 1840, legend says Clay Allison served the Confederacy as a spy; when captured, he escaped by slipping his unusually small hands through the manacles. Small or not, Clay Allison's hands were adept enough with six-shooters to outdraw and kill 20 men, earning the sobriquet of the "Gentleman Gunfighter" - a title given, it was said, because "he never killed a man who didn't need killing."
The Clay Allison legend includes tales of gunfights and escapades that range from a Dodge City showdown with Bat Masterson to an encounter with Wyatt Earp to a Bowie knife fight in a fresh-dug grave with the winner shoveling the first over the loser. Storytellers agree that he was driving to his ranch from Pecos City in 1887 when he was pitched off his wagon and crushed beneath its wheels - they disagree as to whether or not he was sober. His grave is in the park area downtown, near the West of the Pecos Museum.
You'll Like Maxey ParkTake more than a passing glance at the green oasis of Maxey Park along I-20 just east of the airport (hundreds of aviation
cadets trained here during WWII). Yes, that really is a zebra, and there are buffalo, ostriches, and a variety of other exotic species. A favorite with visitors is the prairie dog town. There's also a botanical garden with regional flowers and shrubs, a children's miniature version of the storied Alamo, and an excellent playground. And there are picnic and overnight camping areas where visitors are welcome.
Red Bluff Lake and Balmorhea State ParkUp the Pecos River is Red Bluff Lake that provides a wide variety of water sports in the arid region - fishing folk report excellent catches of white bass, hybrid striped bass, and native catfish. About 43 miles northwest by way of US 285.
To the southwest is Balmorhea State Park with the fabled San Solomon Springs that flow 25 million gallons daily into the huge swimming pool (62,000 square feet). Cabins, camping and trailer sites, playground and picnic areas. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. South on Texas 17 to the town of Balmorhea, then 4 miles southwest off US 290.
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· Ride 'em cowboy! A great Western tradition that dates back to 1883, the Pecos Rodeo provides thrills and spills every 4th of July weekend.
· A relic of the gunfightin' days of the Old West is the last resting place of legendary "Gentleman Gunfighter" Clay Allison.
· Step back in time and belly up to the bar at the West of the Pecos Museum, a remarkable collection of Old West memorabilia.
· The ever-curious inhabitants of prairie dog town are among the variety of animals and special attractions at Maxey Park.
· The vast, loamy land produces the world-renowned, luscious Pecos cantaloupes, prized by gourmets for their size and flavor.
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