Texas' Wonderful Courthouses

Presidio County Courthouse in
Marfa.  Restoration was part of the
THC's Courthouse Preservation Program

One of the most important programs at the Texas Historical Commission is their Courthouse Preservation Program.  With funding approved by the state legislature, the THC has provided valuable monetary and expert support to communities with historic courthouses.

"Texas has more historic courthouses that any other state. Today more than 235 courthouses still stand that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather related damage. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.

Providing assistance to counties reached a critical point when Texas county courthouses were added to the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Properties list in 1998. The state’s response was to create the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, the largest preservation grant program ever initiated by a state government. This nationally recognized preservation program has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun the process of restoring the state’s most treasured historic landmarks.

In support of the projects completed with state grant funds, the THC also created the Texas Courthouse Stewardship Program. It provides education and training to county staff for future preservation needs.

For information about the program, please click here or contact the Texas Historical Commission, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program staff at 512.463-6094."

Texas has more historic courthouses that any other state. Today more than 235 courthouses still stand that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather related damage. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.
Providing assistance to counties reached a critical point when Texas county courthouses were added to the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Properties list in 1998. The state’s response was to create the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, the largest preservation grant program ever initiated by a state government. This nationally recognized preservation program has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun the process of restoring the state’s most treasured historic landmarks.
In support of the projects completed with state grant funds, the THC also created the Texas Courthouse Stewardship Program. It provides education and training to county staff for future preservation needs.
For information about the program, please click here or contact the Texas Historical Commission, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program staff at 512.463-6094.
- See more at: http://www.thc.state.tx.us/preserve/projects-and-programs/texas-historic-courthouse-preservation#sthash.S1gZxrD2.dpuf

Cutting the Ribbon on a Heritage Tourism Partnership Project: Jeff Davis County Library Terrace Project

Cyndee Barnes of the Friends of Jeff Davis County Library
cuts the ribbon on the Terrace during
Fort Davis' July 4th celebration

During the July 4th weekend, a wonderful heritage tourism partnership project held its ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony, the Jeff Davis County Library's Terrace Project.

Community volunteers worked to clean up the area adjacent to the historic library building; and added a shade structure, benches, interpretive panels and WiFi, creating a comfortable 24-hour area for locals and travelers alike.

The project was one of the last recipients of the Texas Historical Commission's Heritage Tourism Partnership Grants, and our Texas Mountain Trail organization was happy to facilitate the relationship with the Friends of Jeff Davis County Library.

Beth Francell outlines the work done on the Terrace and
how it relates to the history of Jeff Davis County

Join us for the Dedication!

One of the recipients of our Heritage Tourism grants through the Texas Historical Commission in 2012, was the Jeff Davis County Library Terrace project, which provides a pleasant place for visitors to enjoy a comfortable seat, wi-fi, and learn about the area's history through interpretive panels.  The new terrace provides outdoor seating in a previously unused area that was converted from an old loading dock. The library is housed in the historic W. Keesey-Union Mercantile Building, a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. 

Located across the street from the Jeff Davis County Courthouse in Fort Davis, and next to the historic Limpia Hotel, the Terrace project is now complete and ready for YOU!

Would you join us for the dedication this Saturday?

The ceremony will follow a bank robbery reenactment at 1 p.m., with an ice cream social immediately following the dedication. 

Morning Along Highway 54

One of the loveliest roads along the original 1960s scenic driving route, our own Texas Mountain Trail, is Hwy 54 heading north from Van Horn to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.  We thought we'd share the sunrise with you from along that road...so very pretty!

(More about this road tomorrow...lots of history there...and it is a great cycling road as well as a scenic drive for motorists!)

About the state's heritage trails program (THTP), of which our Texas Mountain Trail is one of 10 independent non-profit organizations, each serving our own region:

"The THTP is based around 10 scenic driving trails created in 1968 by Gov. John Connally and the Texas Highway Department (now the Texas Department of Transportation) as a marketing tool. The trails were established in conjunction with the HemisFair, an international exposition that commemorated the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio.

In 1997, the State Legislature charged the THC to create a statewide heritage tourism program. The THC responded with a program based on local, regional, and state partnerships, centered on the 10 scenic driving trails. These trails serve as the nucleus of 10 heritage regions, and include heritage tourism attractions and communities both on and off the trail.

The program began with the establishment of the Texas Forts Trail Region in 1998. Other heritage regions made a formal application to the program, demonstrating knowledge of area attractions and broad support from organizations and local government. The suite of heritage regions was completed in 2005 with the additions of the Texas Pecos and Hill Country Trail Regions.

The THTP received national recognition with the Preserve America Presidential Award in 2005. This award was given for exemplary accomplishment in the preservation and sustainable use of America's heritage assets, which has enhanced community life while honoring the nation's history. The following year, the program was awarded a Preserve America grant for developing the Heritage Tourism Guidebook and for providing heritage tourism training across the state."

Bankhead Highway Meeting in El Paso!

Photo by Dan Baeza, sign in the collection
of the Clark Hotel Museum in Van Horn

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 5:30pm to 7:00pm,
El Paso Community Foundation
    333 North Oregon St., 1st floor
   in El Paso

Location

• El Paso Community Foundation
• 333 North Oregon St.
• 1st floor
• El Paso,

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/el-paso-trip-through-time-bankhead-highway-texas#sthash.iMt62Xd5.dpuf

Help Tell the Story of the Bankhead Highway in Texas!
Individuals are encouraged to attend this public meeting to share information and visual items related to the historic Bankhead Highway for use in the two-year survey project led by the Texas Historical Commission (THC).  The THC will introduce the project at the meeting and involve community members through discussion, question-and-answer session, and displays of historical Bankhead images. Please bring your historical photos, postcards, maps and other Bankhead-related items to the meeting. With your consent, staff will scan or photograph materials so they may be included in the project if appropriate. We hope to see you there!

The event listing on our web calendar is HERE.  Read more about the Bankhead Highway on the Texas Historical Commission's website, HERE.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Help Tell the Story of the Bankhead Highway in Texas. Individuals are encouraged to attend this public meeting to share information and visual items related to the historic Bankhead Highway for use in the two-year survey project led by the Texas Historical Commission (THC).  The THC will introduce the project at the meeting and involve community members through discussion, question-and-answer session, and displays of historical Bankhead images. Please bring your historical photos, postcards, maps and other Bankhead-related items to the meeting. With your consent, staff will scan or photograph materials so they may be included in the project if appropriate. We hope to see you there!

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/el-paso-trip-through-time-bankhead-highway-texas#sthash.iMt62Xd5.dpufTuesday, December 3, 2013 - 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Help Tell the Story of the Bankhead Highway in Texas. Individuals are encouraged to attend this public meeting to share information and visual items related to the historic Bankhead Highway for use in the two-year survey project led by the Texas Historical Commission (THC).  The THC will introduce the project at the meeting and involve community members through discussion, question-and-answer session, and displays of historical Bankhead images. Please bring your historical photos, postcards, maps and other Bankhead-related items to the meeting. With your consent, staff will scan or photograph materials so they may be included in the project if appropriate. We hope to see you there!
- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/el-paso-trip-through-time-bankhead-highway-texas#sthash.iMt62Xd5.dpuf

Win a trip to the Texas Heritage Trails Region of your choice!

Our partners at the Texas Historical Commission are launching a social media contest, and the winner will receive a trip to the Texas Heritage Trail region of their choice!

Click HERE to read all about it on the THC's Facebook page!

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has been preserving the real places that tell the real stories of Texas for nearly 60 years, and will celebrate its official 60th anniversary on November 17. In conjunction with the anniversary and the agency’s many accomplishments over the years, the THC will focus on its award-winning Texas Heritage Trails Program and accompanying website, TexasTimeTravel.com. A sweepstakes promotion will begin on October 17 in which people can celebrate the anniversary by entering a drawing to win a “behind the scenes with the THC” heritage tourism trip, guided by knowledgeable THC staff and destination partners. The winner, to be randomly selected after the close of the sweepstakes on November 17, will receive a guided, four-day, expense-paid trip for two in the Texas Heritage Trail Region of their choice. The itinerary, to be developed by the THC, will showcase programs and sites such as historic Main Street districts, restored county courthouses, military sites, and more throughout the region. To participate, visit the THC’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TexasHistoricalCommission beginning October 17, click the "sweepstakes" tab, and follow the instructions to complete the entry form. All travel must be completed in April 2014. Visit texastimetravel.com to start planning your own trip, and learn more about the heritage travel regions of Texas and all they have to offer. For more information, contact the THC’s Public Information and Education Department at 512.463.6255. - See more at: http://www.thc.state.tx.us/news-events/press-releases/celebrate-60-years-texas-historical-commission-and-win-heritage-tourism#sthash.1mfmWPes.dpuf

The THC's website says this:

"The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has been preserving the real places that tell the real stories of Texas for nearly 60 years, and will celebrate its official 60th anniversary on November 17. In conjunction with the anniversary and the agency’s many accomplishments over the years, the THC will focus on its award-winning Texas Heritage Trails Program and accompanying website, TexasTimeTravel.com.

A sweepstakes promotion will begin on October 17 in which people can celebrate the anniversary by entering a drawing to win a “behind the scenes with the THC” heritage tourism trip, guided by knowledgeable THC staff and destination partners. The winner, to be randomly selected after the close of the sweepstakes on November 17, will receive a guided, four-day, expense-paid trip for two in the Texas Heritage Trail Region of their choice. The itinerary, to be developed by the THC, will showcase programs and sites such as historic Main Street districts, restored county courthouses, military sites, and more throughout the region.

To participate, visit the THC’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TexasHistoricalCommission beginning October 17, click the "sweepstakes" tab, and follow the instructions to complete the entry form. All travel must be completed in April 2014. Visit texastimetravel.com to start planning your own trip, and learn more about the heritage travel regions of Texas and all they have to offer. For more information, contact the THC’s Public Information and Education Department at 512.463.6255."

Cycling Marathon's "Ride to the Post" Heritage Bike Route!

One of our Texas Mountain Trail Heritage Bike Routes is featured in the current issue of the Texas Historical Commission's magazine, The Medallion!   Click HERE to read the entire issue online--a travel article covering our region including Marathon, the Gage Hotel, and Big Bend Ranch State Park starts on page 6!

Is the route easy?  YES!  A family could easily handle the five miles there, five miles back route.  There's virtually no vehicular traffic, is incredibly scenic and the average slope is only 1.2%!  The elevation gain is only 121 feet! 

Why is this called a "heritage" bike route?  The ride starts out at the historic (and cycle-friendly!) Gage Hotel, continues across the highway and railroad (easy crossings!) to the Gage Hotel's formal Gardens.  From there, you follow signs to the Cemetery and County Park. 

Water Lily from Gage Gardens

The Cemetery is a short detour and has the graves of early Marathon residents, with interesting markings and monuments. 

Head further south to Post Park, through country that once held a tent hospital during the 1918 influenza epidemic, a buffalo soldier encampment called Post Pena Colorado, and to Post Park. Be sure to read the interpretive panels on the Buffalo Soldier encampment and the geology of the area, produced by our friends at the Brewster County Tourism Council...and have a GREAT ride! 

Post Park!

The park itself is a great place to watch birds and enjoy wildlife, and was a stopping off point for the Comanche and Apache.  It also was a project of the 1930s Works Progress Administration!

Ride to the Post!

Travel information online!

Looking for travel information for the Texas Mountains?  Stay right here on our Daily Photo blog, or visit our website, www.texasmountaintrail.com

Looking for heritage travel information across the state of Texas?  Consider connecting to our partner heritage trail organizations, from our own Texas Mountain Trail site:

East Texas--Texas Forest Trail
Gulf Coast--Texas Independence Trail and Texas Tropical Trail
North Texas--Texas Lakes Trail
Panhandle--Texas Plains Trail
Central Texas--Texas Brazos Trail and Texas Hill Country Trail
West Texas--Texas Forts Trail and Texas Pecos Trail

Our funder, the Texas Historical Commission recently released their own statewide site, too: www.texastimetravel.com

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT!

Today we'll be on Marfa Public Radio's Talk at Ten, talking about the region's Texas Master Naturalist program.  Are you interested in joining this year's class? 

Click here to read about the program and learn how to apply!

The Awning is UP!

Jeff Davis County Library Terrace Project
The awning is up!

We recently received a note and an update from our friends at the Jeff Davis County Library about their awning project...this project was a grant recipient in the Texas Historical Commission's Heritage Tourism Partnership Grant program, as its purpose was to create a 24 hour public space for residents and tourists alike....a quiet place for folks to enjoy and relax.

 

From the Friends of Jeff Davis County Library: 

"We are not talking about a field goal on the football field, we are talking about another goal -- the awning over the Library Terrace in Fort Davis. This project has identified some significant historical artifacts and preserved them. It will provide the residents of and visitors to Jeff Davis County a pleasant, welcoming, outdoor seating area and local area historical information in a permanent kiosk, as well as WIFI access 24 hours a day, every day. Please come by and see the progress we have made through your donations.

An early photo of the building showing the awning in use

As the construction phases near completion, additional funding is required to purchase the period-look furniture and planters. Your 100% tax-deductible donation to this project is a perfect, perpetual way to honor your love of libraries and books, your support of education, a wedding or anniversary, the memory of a loved one, a special family occasion, a birthday, or a new graduate. Please send your check to "Friends JDC Library, PO Box 425, Fort Davis, TX 79734," or use your Paypal or credit card online at http://friendsjdcl.org/support/. All donations will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged."

In 1908, Whitaker Keesey and his brother Otis sold their business
to a group of stockholders at which time it became known
as the “Union Trading Company.” It had merchandise
that included ammunition, guns, windmills, coffins, lumber,
and hardware. The Union complex contained a general
store, stable, post office, gentleman’s club with bar,
machine shop and feed store, and had the first electric
company and telephone exchange in this area,
becoming the largest mercantile in the Trans-­‐Pecos and Big Bend.

Discovery of 100 Year Old Doors--Jeff Davis County Library Terrace Project!

A worthy Texas heritage and preservation project can use your help! 

The Friends of the Jeff Davis County Library have been working to create a pleasant, welcoming outdoor 24/7 space to sit and relax (and use wi-fi!) outside the library while preserving the historical character of the 1906 building.  A project for community members and visitors alike, there will be attractive permanent outdoor heritage displays about the Fort Davis area.  (Our Texas Mountain Trail organization was proud -- along with the Texas Historical Commission--to play a role in providing some funds for this project!)

When the project is completed, there will be a new GREAT public space for everyone to enjoy and appreciate the historic downtown area of Fort Davis....how terrific is that!?!?

b

In 1908, Whitaker Keesey and his brother Otis sold their business
to a group of stockholders at which time it became known
as the “Union Trading Company.” It had merchandise
that included ammunition, guns, windmills, coffins, lumber,
and hardware. The Union complex contained a general
store, stable, post office, gentleman’s club with bar,
machine shop and feed store, and had the first electric
company and telephone exchange in this area,
becoming the largest mercantile in the Trans-­‐Pecos and Big Bend.

During excavation of the loading dock in preparation for new concrete work, two items of interest were discovered. A window well grate, similar to the ones on the west side of the building was discovered, still intact. The more significant item is a pair of hand crafted metal doors covering what used to be a coal chute.

The Terrace Committee sent us the following update:

As the Jeff Davis County Library resides in an historic building, it is important for these items to be preserved and displayed.  After lengthy discussions between Judge George Grubb, Library Director Toi Fisher, contractor Jeff Collins, and Friends of the Jeff Davis County Library president Cyndee Barnes, exploring the options on how to preserve the historic doors and window well grate, it was agreed the best solution was the following:  The metal doors and grate will be removed and replaced back in their original spots on top of the new concrete finish. The doors will be sealed around the perimeter and between the two doors to protect the chute under them from weather. A sealant will be used under the per imeter, and the doors will be straightened as much as possible and welded together from underneath. The grate will be concreted back in place flush with the new surface.  While this work will add to the cost and timing of the project, it will protect and display a piece of our library's history. 

This project is being managed by the Friends of the Jeff Davis County Library, a non-profit organization, in cooperation with the county. It is being funded solely through donations and grants. No tax dollars are being spent on this project. The Friends is grateful to all those who have contributed to this project. Please follow our progress at www.friendsjdcl.org

Yes, the friends are inviting folks to help with the project....this worthy effort relies on donations from visitors and regional residents.  The Terrace Committee sent us this information:

Jeff Davis County has committed support, however, no county funds are being used for this project. We are close to our funding goal and the work has begun, however, we need your help to complete the project. Please join the Friends by making a tax-­‐deductible donation at one of the following levels:
 
Classics: $10,000
Westerns: $5,000
History: $1,000
Science: $500
Poetry: $250
Romance: $100
Drama: $50

All donations are appreciated & acknowledged. For more information visit: www.friendsljdcl.org

Up to the TOP, a little Marfa Mini-Break

Eighty-six steps take you to the top of Marfa’s beautiful courthouse and a 360 degree view of the town and surrounding countryside.  In fact, this is one of our Top Ten 15-Minute Rest Breaks from the Road!

Built in 1886 by San Antonio architect Alfred Giles in the Second Empire style, the courthouse cost $60,000.  Designed of brick and stone quarried in Marfa, the exterior is of pink stucco with Lady Justice sitting atop the central dome.  The courthouse is one of the lucky ones to receive support by the Texas Historical Commission's Courthouse Preservation Program.

Next time you're in Marfa and looking for something fun to do, see if they courthouse is open and then start on your aerobic climb.  The view and a close-up view of one of the very finest county courthouses is your reward! 

Lost: Culberson County Courthouse

One thing Texas does VERY well is provide resources for the preservation of county courthouses.  The funds are limited, making the climate very competitive, but the folks at the Texas Historical Commission do their best at making the most of a limited budget.  Read about the courthouse restoration program here.

The program came too late for the folks in Culberson County.  This courthouse, long a community center as well as a governmental center, was razed in the 1960s for a more modern building.  Many a Van Horn resident today, wishes we could reverse the decision to take down the old courthouse.

Centennial Pioneers Dance at Culberson County Courthouse, 1936, Photograph, 1936; digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14149/ : accessed May 28, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas. 

Click on the photos to get a closer view!

Magoffin Home Reopens Today!

The front door of the Magoffin Home

Washing the dust off the windows and shutters, getting ready for the grand reopening today

Inside the courtyard of the Magoffin Home yesterday

One of the grand jewels of historic sites in our region is scheduled to reopen to the public after being closed for more than a year for an extensive renovation.  We stopped by El Paso's Magoffin Home yesterday to get a peek (it looks FANTASTIC) and to see if we could help with the finishing touches before this morning's opening festivities.  Turns out we could help, and we wiped down the windows and doors whose frames had received historically accurate paint treatments.  And as we washed and wiped, we thought about the original workmen who built the 1877 adobe structure, and felt a kinship with those who'd built the home and loved it generation after generation.

Want to learn more about the Magoffin Home?  Here's a quote from the Texas Historical Commission's historic sites website:

"Born in Chihuahua, Mexico and educated in Kentucky and Missouri, Joseph Magoffin (1837–1923) first came to the El Paso area in 1856 to work in his father’s mercantile shop at Magoffinsville. After service in the U.S. Civil War, he returned with his family and became an advocate for the development of El Paso and the region. Using his extensive landholdings, he helped bring railroads, utilities and new businesses to town, increasing his personal fortune. He was a co-founder of the State National Bank, where he served as vice president for 40 years. He also served as county judge, four terms as mayor, collector of customs and in numerous other public offices. His wife Octavia (1845–1906) was a social leader in the community and active in Catholic charities. They had two children, Jim (J.W.) Magoffin (1864–1913) and Josephine (Josie) Magoffin Glasgow (1873–1968).

When Joseph and Octavia Magoffin moved into their new home in 1877, El Paso was a small frontier town. Joseph built the home on property he had obtained from his late father. The adobe construction reflects typical Spanish and Territorial architecture found in the Southwest borderlands and the influence of the Greek Revival style popular in other parts of the United States. In 1887, the El Paso Times described the homestead, “The grounds surrounding it comprise twenty acres, embraced in lawns, flower gardens, fruit orchards, vegetable beds, grass plats and small grain divisions.” The couple was well known for their hospitality and entertained guests frequently in the home."

The Texas Historical Commission acquired the Magoffin Home a few years ago, and has been administering and caring for the site since then.  Come on out today and take a look for yourself!

New "El Paso's Hueco Tanks" Video!

There's an excellent new video about Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site available for those with an interest in native peoples, rock art, the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage route, geology, birding, and on and on.  The preview video is right here!

You can purchase a copy of the full video here.

Our Texas Mountain Trail board had a hand in the funding of this project, as we recommended it receive a grant from the Texas Historical Commission's heritage tourism partnership grant program.

(Sadly this grant program was discontinued due to state budget consideration.)

A nice place to follow....a groundbreaking for the Library Terrace Project

Jeff Davis County Library building (1906), across the street from the County Courthouse and next to the historic Limpia Hotel

Judge Geoge Grubb, Cyndee Barnes (President, Friends of the Jeff Davis County Library) and Toi Fisher (Jeff Davis County Library Director) along with Judge Fred Ganado, Crisarely Ponce (Fort Davis High School Student) and Rep. Pete Gallego officially broke ground for the project, Thursday, April 19.

 

 

One of the joys of working as the regional heritage trails organization in Far West Texas is our association with the Texas Historical Commission on the Heritage Tourism Partnership Grant program.  Through this program, grant funds have been available for worthy community projects that contribute to the region's desirability as a heritage tourism attraction, or increase awareness of our cultural or historic resources. (Sadly, state budget cuts required the suspension of this program.)  A committee of our Texas Mountain Trail Board of Directors reviewed grant applications the past two years and made recommendations to the Texas Historical Commission for funding. 

The Jeff Davis County Library was awarded a $10,000 grant for their project.  The terrace project will develop a pleasant, welcoming, outdoor seating area where everyone is welcome to meet, relax, read and access the library's wireless network at all hours.  There will also be permanent outdoor displays with local information outlining the historical significance of the Fort Davis area.

The design will comply with the THC's guidance on preserving the integrity of the original 1906 structure, will be "Dark Skies compliant," and ADA accessible.

At Thursday's groundbreaking, many key donors were recognized including the THC's Heritage Tourism Partnership Grant.  Rep. Pete Gallego pledged fundraising effort for 10% of the project budget...a pledge to bring in $9,000.00.  You can  follow the progress of the Terrace Project here:   http://friendsjdcl.org/terrace-project/

You can support the Friends organization and the Terrace Project here: http://friendsjdcl.org/support/

When the project is finished, thanks to the Friends of the Library and many donors and supporters,  there will be a lovely, relaxing place for local residents and visitors to enjoy! 

On the River Road between Lajitas and Presidio, along Big Bend Ranch State Park

Many folks ask us, "So, what exactly IS the Texas Mountain Trail?"

They see the road signs all over the region, but wonder what they mean....

Well, the signs mark a historic figure 8 driving route established by Governor Connally in an effort to showcase the best of Texas in anticipation of HemisFair '68.  The Texas Mountain Trail is one of 10 original driving routes across the state.  Read more about it here.

"The Texas Heritage Trails Program (THTP) is based around 10 scenic driving trails created in 1968 by Gov. John Connally and the Texas Highway Department as a marketing tool. The trails were established in conjunction with the HemisFair, an international exposition that commemorated the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio." 

Later, the state legislature saw the need to boost economic growth through tourism promotion and heritage preservation, and charged the Texas Historical Commission for building a program to benefit the state.

"In 1997, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) was charged by the State Legislature to create a statewide heritage tourism program. The THC based their program on the original driving trails, creating ten heritage regions: Brazos Trail Region, Forest Trail Region, Forts Trail Region, Hill Country Trail Region, Lakes Trail Region, Independence Trail Region, Mountain Trail Region, Pecos Trail Region, Plains Trail Region and Tropical Trail Region." 

You can read more about the Texas Historical Commission's Heritage Tourism efforts here.


The Texas Mountain Trail is a regionally-based independent 501 c 3 organization dedicated to serving Far West Texas, our communities and the travelers who visit us.  We serve all of our region, not just the communities along the original 1960s route.  We help communities preserve their heritage so future generations can appreciate and enjoy what makes us uniquely Texan.  We bring the Texas Mountain Trail region to all, through our Daily Photo blog, our website, our Facebook page, our Twitter posts, and other venues...so you can enjoy the mountains wherever you are!  Come visit us!

Our signs, and an invitation to you!

Have you seen our Texas Mountain Trail road signs and wondered about them?  Have you taken a photo of any of them?  If you have, we'd like to see them...they could be simple shots, or ones enhanced like the one sent to us by Ted Bell of Little Rock, AR!  (Thanks, Ted!)

You could post your photos to our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TexasMountainTrail !  We'd like to see them!

The signs were a part of a Texas promotions program centered around Hemisfair '68.  From our website, here's the history:
 ".....is based around 10 scenic driving trails created in 1968 by Gov. John Connally and the Texas Highway Department as a marketing tool. The trails were established in conjunction with the HemisFair, an international exposition that commemorated the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio.
In 1997, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) was charged by the State Legislature to create a statewide heritage tourism program. The THC based their program on the original driving trails, creating ten heritage regions: Brazos Trail Region, Forest Trail Region, Forts Trail Region, Hill Country Trail Region, Lakes Trail Region, Independence Trail Region, Mountain Trail Region, Pecos Trail Region, Plains Trail Region and Tropical Trail Region."

To read more about our history and our program, click here.

River Road by Big Bend Ranch State Park

A lovely shot of the River Road (FM-170) by Randy Mallory for the Texas Historical Commission.  Routinely named one of the most scenic drives in the state, the River Road connects Presidio to Terlingua and Big Bend National Park.  For much of the route, the road bisects Big Bend Ranch State Park. 

Saving Adobe Architecture

Local officials and the Texas Historical Commission are working to preserve this architectural jewel in Ruidosa in Presidio County. From the THC website,
"With an initial $30,000 matching grant from the Texas Historical Commission (THC) in 2004, the project began in the hope of preserving this site, one of Presidio County’s most exquisite examples of adobe architecture. Once in danger of collapse, the mission is especially rare because of its curved adobe arches. Located just outside of Big Bend, the preservation of this historic landmark will contribute to the overall appeal of this unique and special area of Texas.Along with the recent funding from the Texas Historical Foundation, the Presidio County Historical Commission also raised money from local contributions over the holiday season and received an additional grant from the National Trust for Historical Preservation. Monies raised meet the THC’s Texas Preservation Trust Fund grant requirements, thus assuring the successful completion of the stabilization work at this important historical and architectural Texas landmark. Phase I of the project reached completion in late 2006 and Phase II is expected to conclude in July 2007.For more information on the Ruidosa Mission Project visit www.thc.state.tx.us or call the THC’s Architecture Division at 512/463-6094."