Prickly pear, Big Bend Region. Photo by Richard Reynolds
PECOS
Like most far West Texas communities, Pecos is steeped in the lore of the Old West. One exhibit at the West of the Pecos Museum tells of the exploits of Clay Allison, a gunfighter who “never killed anybody who didn’t need killing.” The world’s first rodeo took place in Pecos in 1883, and the West of the Pecos Rodeo has been a Fourth of July event every year since then. The town is also famous for its delicious cantaloupes, which are in season from July to September. Pecos has 247 economical and 290 moderate accommodations.
This museum is housed in the Orient Hotel, circa 1904, and includes an authentic 1896 saloon, with its original furnishings. Each of the museum’s 50 rooms conveys a different story of life in Pecos. The museum park and neighboring outdoor area contain a replica of Judge Roy Bean’s courthouse, a hanging tree, and the grave of Clay Allison, the Gentleman Gunfighter. Across the street from the park are farm-and-ranch and chuck-wagon exhibits.
Open Memorial Day–Labor Day Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m.; Labor Day–Memorial Day Tue.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed major holidays).
Admission: $4, seniors $3, children 6–17 $1. Food available for tour groups with advance notice.