Enlisted Men's Barracks
Fort Stockton, constructed of adobe and named for Robert
Field Stockton, was established by the United States Army on March 23,
1859, at Comanche Springs, which was within the site of the present
city of Fort Stockton, for the protection of the mail service, travelers,
and freighters. Comanche Springs was a favorite stop on the Comanche
Trail to Chihuahua, the Old San Antonio Road, the Butterfield Overland
Mail route, and the San Antonio-Chihuahua freight-wagon road. Captain
Arthur T. Lee, commanding Company C, Eighth Infantry, abandoned the
post in April 1861. The post was reoccupied by Captain Charles L. Pyron,
in command of Company B. Second Regiment, Texas Mounted Rifles, until
it was abandoned by the Confederates after General Henry H. Sibley's
defeat in New Mexico.
Guardhouse
After the Civil War the fort was reoccupied by General
Edward Hatch, who made it the headquarters for the Ninth United States
Cavalry, a regiment of black troops who were used for patrols, escorts,
and scouts, largely against the Apaches. After the defeat of the Apaches
the army began withdrawing troops. Since their abandonment by the military,
some of the officers' quarters have been used continuously for residences.
Officers' Quarters
Points of Interest
Fort Stockton is located in Fort Stockton, on Hwy 290/67
on the way from San Antonio to El Paso. It contains three officers'
quarters; a guard house with jailers' quarters, holding cell and solitary
confinement; two enlisted men's barracks and their accompanying kitchens
have been reconstructed. Open Monday—Saturday, 10–1, and 2–5.
Admission. 300 E. 3rd. 915-336-2400
Annie Riggs Hotel Museum, 301 S. Main, built in 1899,
a popular stop on the stage route. Restored and maintained by the local
historical society. Fourteen room display area collections: 19th-century
clothing, photography, Indian artifacts, cowboy regalia, kitchen utensils,
geology, religion, Camp Stockton artifacts. Open daily Monday—Saturday
10–12 and 1–5; Sunday 1:30–5. Admission. 915-336-2167
Courthouse Square historic features include the 1883 courthouse,
first Catholic Church (1875); first schoolhouse (1883); Zero Stone placed
by a survey party in 1859, used as origin point for all land surveys
in this part of West Texas. Nearby St. Stephens Episcopal Church (1872).
Grey Mule Saloon, a restored old saloon, was one of early-day
"red-eye" dispensaries of West Texas. Callaghan and Main streets.
Historical Sites Tour, special signs provide guidance
for a tour of historic sites. Historical notations date from days of
Cabeza de Vaca's explorations in 1534, and other explorers such as Espejo
in 1583, and Mendosa in 1684.
James Rooney County Park, on southern edge of the city
at historic Comanche Springs. Swimming, picnicking and tennis courts.
Old Fort Cemetery, records on existing tombstones indicate
few people lived beyond age forty.
Paisano Pete, at twenty feet long and eleven feet tall,
is probably the world's largest roadrunner. US 290 at Main Street.
Tunis Creek Stagecoach Stop, former way station on Butterfield
Overland Mail Route; later a Texas Ranger station. Historic structure
was moved to a highway rest area on US 290, twenty miles east. Original
location was approximately two miles south.
Visitor Information Center has information on dining,
accommodations, events, other area information, I-10 and US 285. For
information, call 915-336-8052; 800-336-2166.
Accommodations
Atrium the Inn, 1801 W. Dickinson, 915-336-2274
Atrium the Inn, 1305 NW US Hwy 285, 915-336-6666
Best Values Inn, 901 E. Dickinson, 915-336-2251
Best Western Sunday House Inn, 3201 W. Dickinson, 915-336-8521
Budget Inn, 801 E. Dickinson, 915-336-3311
Comanche Motel and Mobile Home Park, 1301 E. Dickinson, 915-336-5824
Days Inn, 1408 NW US Highway 285, 915-336-7500
Deluxe Inn, 500 E. Dickinson, 915-336-2231
Econo Lodge Business, Hwy 290, 800 E. Dickinson, 915-336-9711
Gateway Lodge, 501 E. Dickinson, 915-336-8336
Restaurants
Adams Pit Shop, Pecos Hwy. 915-336-8776
Alfredo's Mexican Restaurant, 2103 W. Dickinson, 915-336-7116
Best Western Swiss Clock Inn, 3201 W. Dickinson, 915-336-8521
Bienvenidos, 405 W. Dickinson, 915-336-3615
Burrito Express, 100 E. 18th, 915-336-9162
Burrito Inn, 805 N. Alamo, 915-336-3141
Courtyard Restaurant, 800 E. Dickinson, 915-336-9711
Dairy Queen, 408 W. Dickinson, 915-336-5660
El Corral Restaurant, 2601 W. IH-10, 915-336-5578
Gulf's Best Seafood House, Inc., 2003 W. Dickinson, 915-336-9977
Communities and Related Links
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