Visit the Magoffin Home State Historic Site in El Paso, Texas

If you're traveling to or through El Paso, Texas, there is a very interesting stop you'll surly want to make. It is the Magoffin Home State Historic Site and it will tell you a great deal about the settlement of El Paso. It will offer you a unique opportunity to learn of one family's significant role during our country's western expansion.

Magoffin Home State Historic Site explores the stories of a multicultural family who actively participated in U.S. expansion and settlement, military service, trade on the Santa Fe–Chihuahua Trail, Civil War turmoil and U.S.–Mexico relations.

The 1875 home is an excellent example of Territorial style architecture. Territorial style architecture began around 1846 and was used until New Mexico stopped being a territory and became a state in 1912. The Territorial style is considered to be a blend of Pueblo and Victorian styles.

The Magoffin home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. In 1985, the surrounding area was declared the Magoffin Historic District. 

Guided Tours

Guided tours by volunteers are given to visitors. The tours are very informative while you walk to all areas of this historic adobe mansion. Authentic art and antique furnishings are on display and help transport visitors back in time.

During your tour you'll learn about the history and heritage of the Southwest borderlands through the lives and experiences of a prominent El Paso family. Most tours last about one hour. Spanish tours are offered Thursday through Saturday. Be sure to call ahead for tour availability.

The Magoffin Family

The story begins with Joseph Magoffin (1837–1923) who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico but was educated in Kentucky and Missouri. He then arrived in the El Paso area in 1856 to work in his father’s mercantile shop at Magoffinsville. Magoffinsville was a site established in 1849 by James Wiley Magoffin about a half mile north of the Rio Grande inside today's city of El Paso.

Not too long after Joseph's arrival in Magoffinsville the American Civil War began. Joseph and his brother Samuel joined the Confederate army as part of General H.H. Sibley’s brigade.

When the Civil War ended, Joseph Magoffin returned to Magoffinsville and worked long and hard for the development of El Paso and the region. He was in a unique position to advocate for El Paso's settlement with his extensive landholdings. This helped him bring the all important railroad to El Paso along with businesses and utilities. Magoffin obviously became quite wealthy during this period.

Ultimately, Joseph Magoffin was a co-founder of the State National Bank as well as serving as county judge, four terms as mayor, collector of customs and in several other public offices. His wife Octavia became a social leader of the developing community.

When Joseph and Octavia moved into their new home in 1877, on property willed to him from his late father, El Paso was a small frontier town. There were actually large complications involved to take back ownership of the property since it was seized by Unionists during the Civil War. The settlement itself was destroyed a few years after the Civil War from flooding of the Rio Grande.

When Joseph completed what was required to legally retake the property, a new adobe  home was constructed in typical Spanish and Territorial architecture found in the Southwest borderlands.  The El Paso Times in 1887 wrote a story describing the home and it's surroundings. They wrote,  “The grounds surrounding it comprise twenty acres, embraced in lawns, flower gardens, fruit orchards, vegetable beds, grass plats and small grain divisions.” The Magoffin's entertained often at their beautiful home which you'll learn more about on the guided tour.

There is much more to the story of the Magoffin family and their contributions in developing the El Paso area. During your guided tour you'll learn why the Magoffin's were true pioneers who used their vast resources to not just help their own family but also to help the city he came to love.

If you want to learn about the early days of the area and of El Paso, this is a travel stop you'll want to make.

You also may wish to inquire about the hour long walking tour of the Magoffin Historic District.

See additional Western Trips articles found on the links below...

Historic Mesilla, New Mexico

Historic Fort Stockton, Texas 

Visiting the Magoffin Home State Historic Site

The Magoffin home is located at 1120 Magoffin Ave, El Paso, TX. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 9a-5p. The site is closed on Mondays. 

For additional information see...www.thc.texas.gov



(Article and photos copyright Western Trips)

Sonora Texas / Old West Outlaws and Texas History

A visit to the town of Sonora, Texas offers an opportunity to tour it's downtown area that is rich in history and heritage. Sonora is the county seat of Sutton County Texas and is located about 170 miles northwest of San Antonio along Interstate 10 (about a 2 1/2 hour drive) 

Sonora, Texas 1898

Sonora is recognized as being located on the western end of Texas' scenic Hill Country. To the west and northwest of Sonora lie the flat expanses of the Chihuahuan Desert.

There are lots of history to see in Sonora involving ranching, old west outlaws and the transition of a west Texas town moving into the twentieth century. 

Annual events held in Sonora, Texas include the Annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration held on May 5th... The Sonora Outlaw Pro Rodeo is held every third weekend in August...The Sutton County Game Dinner is the oldest and largest game dinner celebrated in the area held in November...,span>The Dry Devils River Music Flood held for a day each October...Sonora’s annual one-day Christmas Market in December.

Visit the sites where history comes alive...


Old West Shootout on Main Street 
 
On the night of April 2, 1901, William Carver, a member of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch, was shot and killed in Jack Owen's Bakery by Sheriff E.S. Briant and his deputies. Some accounts say the gunfight occurred outside of the store. With guns drawn on entry, they attempted to arrest Carver and George Kilpatrick on suspicion of the murder of Oliver Thornton in Concho County Texas. One account says that Kilpatrick made a fumbling motion and Carver's gun never cleared the holster before he was shot six times. 

Will Carver was buried in the Sonora Cemetery. There is a gravestone marker that simply shows the date of his death, April 2, 1901. 

 Old Ice House Ranch Museum

Old Ice House Ranch Museum

This is a must stop. A the  Old Ice House Ranch Museum which is housed inside an old ice house is a collection of one of a kind memorabilia pertaining to the history of Sonora and Sutton County Texas. 

Exhibits include an array of old artifacts to educate and entertain visitors about ranching in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Sutton County. Included with the relics of Sonora is information about the 1901 shootout by sheriff deputies with Will Carver, a member of Butch Cassidy's "Wild Bunch" gang.  Carver was on the losing end of the gunfight on the streets of Sonora. 

You'll leave this unique museum with a new appreciation of the pioneers that developed this rugged area when the discovery of a deep water well drilling technique opened this parched prairie to sheep, cattle and goats after the bustle of the West had passed it by. 

Sutton County Courthouse
 
The 1891 Sutton County Courthouse was designed by Oscar Ruffini, a prominent architect from San Angelo, in the Second Empire style. Much handwork is evident in the limestone and dressed stone. 

Sutton County Texas Courthouse

Restorations of the courthouse took place where all windows were restored and missing roof dormers and roof cresting were reconstructed using historic photographs. 

The interior restoration brought all new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems including fire protection and accessibility improvements All of these enhancement followed the original design. A non-original tile floor at the first floor corridors and offices was removed and replaced with salvaged wood. Original wood windows, doors, stairways, and wainscot were refinished to match the original stain, and wood shutters were reconstructed at all window openings. Wall colors were restored and a decorative wall stenciling of gold and copper leaf was recreated. All vault door decorative finishes were painstakingly restored. 

The courthouse was rededicated on June 11, 2002.

Old Sutton County Jail 

Old jail in Sonora, Texas

When Sutton County Texas was organized in 1890, a jail was obviously needed. At the time there were several jail construction companies, mostly located back east. 

The Pauley Jail Building and Manufacturing Co. of St. Louis was hired to build this jail. The project begans begun in Feb. 1891 under the supervision of Judge J. L. Dunagan. The new jail was completed in Sept. 1891. The native stone jail structure was two story and had a jailer's residence in addition to cells for prisoners. Of special historic note, the first prisoner in the new jail was gambler and gunman John Denson, a cousin of outlaw John Wesley Hardin. 

The old Sutton County jail in downtown Sonora stands on Oak Street near the Sutton County Courthouse. 

Additional Western Trips articles found on the links below... 

Fort Stockton Texas

San Angelo Texas

The Caverns of Sonora

Another must stop while in the area is The Caverns of Sonora. Many believe these are one of the most beautiful caverns in the world. The Caverns of Sonora contains unusual formations, such as bladed helictites and coralloid growths, and is of exceptional beauty. 

This National Natural Landmark is located eight miles west of Sonora. Because of its calcite crystal formations and rarity of helictites, the cavern is considered to be a world-class cave. The formation of the cave is said to have occurred between 1.5 to five million years ago. The cave is a constant 71°F, but feels like 85°F due to the humidity. During a tour, you can go 150 feet below the Earth’s surface and be mesmerized by all the formations underground.

For detailed information about the caverns and available tours see...http://www.cavernsofsonora.com/tours    Tours of the cave leave the caverns gift shop constantly, with usually never more than a 30-minute wait.

Additiomal photos of Sonora, Texas...

Gun used to kill outlaw Will Carver in 1901     

Another view of the old county jail structure

Sonora during the early automobile years

Downtown Sonora during horse and wagon days

Fun Travel in the Mountain West

The U.S Mountain West states offer some of the best and most diverse travel experiences in North America.

The mountain and desert geography gives every tourist abundant opportunities for great photos as well as terrific hiking adventures. In a lot of ways, the mountain west is all about the outdoors.

Yes, things have changes since the days of the Old West but most of the Old West towns, many you may already have heard of have survived and their history has survived with them as well. You'll still be able to taste the Old West lifestyle and add to it the great travel stops found in the big cities of Phoenix, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Denver, Salt Lake City and more.

Below you'll find the kind of fun travel sites to add to your next road trip out west. We've listed interesting travel stops in the states of Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. These are just a small sampling of sites. You'll find many additional western U.S. travel stops on this website westerntrips.blogspot.com  and also on www.tripsintohistory.com

Arizona
 
Arizona's old west includes towns such as Prescott, Yuma, Tucson, Tombstone, Benson and more. Arizona is the Grand Canyon state and in addition to the breathtaking views there you can enjoy a scenic train ride between Williams and the Grand Canyon South Rim on the famous Grand Canyon Railroad. Here you can ride along 45 miles of track laid back in the 1800's during the great mining days of Colorado.

Tucson's rich old west history will call for a stroll through Old Town with it's historic buildings. Old Tucson is Where the Spirit of the Old West Comes Alive! Just to the west of Tucson is the Old Tucson Studios where many a western movie was filmed. Old Tucson Studios today is a theme park just west of Tucson, adjacent to the Tucson Mountains and close to the western section of Saguaro National Park.

Prescott, which at one time was the capital of the old Arizona Territory, is rich in old west history and was a major destination of old Arizona stage coaches. 

Colorado

Aside from the mile high city of Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo...the state has a rich history of mining with many of these old mining towns still in existence. In the southwest portion of the state is Durango with it's beautiful mountains, horse back riding, and the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Ride this historic train on 45 miles of rails originally laid in 1882 between the mining town of Silverton and the railroad-built town of Durango.

Alamosa is a two and one half hour drive north of Santa Fe New Mexico which makes it a good addition while visiting in Santa Fe.

Where the early railroad laid rails to, in many instances, decided what towns prospered and what towns faded away. In the case of Alamosa, the real engine of growth was the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad which built to it in June of 1878 from Garland Colorado to the east and eventually continued onward. Alamosa, which means cottonwood in Spanish, is the place to stay when visiting nearby attractions including the Great Sand Dunes National Park which is located about thirty-eight miles northeast of town.

New Mexico 

Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos have long been popular travel destinations. Albuquerque which is the largest city in the state has a very interesting Old Town area, just west of present day downtown, and features many historic buildings and sites as well as a great selection of restaurants. Add to that the Sandia Peak Tramway just north of the city and you'll be assured a fun visit.

Santa Fe, the City Different, is the state capital with it's historic Plaza. Add to that Loretta Chapel, St Francis Basilica and terrific museums. Shopping is great and you'll find some of the finest dining and hotels in the state.

Taos is a city that inspires, amazes, and captures the hearts of all who visit this scenic mountain town. Taos has a scenic Plaza lines with shops and restaurants. Visit the old home of Kit Carson who called Taos his home. Today the home is a terrific museum displaying artifacts from Kit Carson and the old Taos days. Another good stop is the old Charles Bent House, once owned by the first governor of the New Mexico Territory, and now an interesting museum. Just north of town is the Taos Pueblo. Taos Pueblo is  a living Native American community located at the base of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  It is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.

Mesilla is located next to Las Cruces and is both the most visited old community in southern New Mexico as well as one of the most historic. Mesilla's location placed it in the direct path of many historical events of the mid 1800's including the American Civil War. 

Mesilla's distance from the old Territorial capital at Santa Fe and the more populated northern New Mexico area meant that lawlessness was a major factor to contend with not to mention a running battle with various Apache tribes. Mesilla was also a stop during the days of the Butterfield Stage Route between St. Louis and San Francisco. 

Silver City sits atop a site that has been home to Native American, Hispanic and Anglo settlers for hundreds of years. The town was named Silver City because rich deposits of chloride silver were discovered just west of town during the 1870's. Silver City is the site of two historic district downtown hotels. One is named The Palace Hotel and the other The Murray Hotel. Lots of historic buildings including the unique Silver City Museum will be found along with good dining choices and shopping. 


(Photos and article copyright Western Trips)

The Story of a Texas Town and a White Buffalo

The story of Snyder, Texas begins in 1878 with a buffalo hunter and trader by the name of  William Henry (Pete) Snyder. Snyder came to west Texas from Pennsylvania and went ahead and built a trading post on the banks of Deep Creek. Other hunters gravitated to the post, and a colony of buffalo-hide dwellings grew up around it. These dwellings, as well as the sometimes shady character of their inhabitants they attracted, gave the town its first names, "Hide Town," and "Robber's Roost." Finally, in 1882 Pete Snyder drew up a town plan and invited immigration.

Faught Bldg built by T.J. Faught as a Masonic lodge

The Legend of the White Buffalo 

Legend has it that only seven white buffalo have ever been shot. In fact, it is said that there was only one white buffalo per 10 million.

To Native Americans, the bison or American buffalo was a symbol of sacred life and abundance. Indians relied on the buffalo for their very existence using every part of the animal for food, shelter and various tools and utensils.

The white buffalo also has a famous Native Indian legend attached to it regarding following the proper path while on earth and how all things in nature were connected.The legend concerns a White Buffalo Calf Woman and remains very sacred to the Lakota and many other tribes.

One such white buffalo was shot near what is today the town of Snyder, Texas. This particular white buffalo was shot by a man named J. Wright Moore in 1876. Moore's name is also spelled "Mooar". Historic accounts have used both spellings.

The white buffalo

It's been reported that Moore may have shot up to 22,000 buffalo during his ten years as a hunter from 1870 to 1880.  Moore shot the buffalo when the small settlement located on Deep Creek was a trading post. J. Wright Moore received such acclaim from this event that he was able to start his own ranch and from it eventually the town of Snyder was established.

For a long time there was a fiberglass statue in Snyder of a white male buffalo. The statue was built to commemorate the shooting. Not long after, someone noticed that the white buffalo hide on display at Mooar's ranch was that of a female.

Upon learning this, the town of Snyder got rid of the fiberglass buffalo as quick as possible and replaced it with a bronze female white buffalo statue. That is the statue you'll see today when visiting Snyder, Texas. In fact, make a note of it, there are three different white buffalo statues today in Snyder, Texas.

There has not been another white buffalo seen around today's Snyder Texas for well over 100 years.

White Buffalo Memorial Park is located near the site of the 1876 shooting, and an adjacent ranch is the resting place of the white buffalo hide. The park is also home to the white buffalo statue #1. The park is located northwest of Snyder on S-CR 253/FM 1609, north of the small town of Union.

J. Wright Mooar

Quanah Parker and J. Wright Mooar

An interesting story concerns J. Wright Mooar and the historic Comanche leader Quanah Parker,  the last chief of the Quahada Comanche Indians.

Both Parker and Moore (Mooar) hunted the buffalo. They also at times hunted the buffalo in the same area around today's Snyder, Texas although there is no record that they ever met at those times. The difference here was that Quanah Parker and his followers were being hunted by the U.S. Cavalry. Parker was the last Comanche holdout and was being chased by General Philip Sheridan and his officers. The goal was to move Quanah Parker and his people back to Indian Territory in present day Oklahoma.

See the Western Trips articles on the lnks below...

The Story of Littlefield Texas and the World's Tallest Windmill

Old Fort Parker and the Formation of Texas

A Visit to Historic Quanah Texas

A World Class Austin Texas Museum

Quanah Parker was eventually defeated by Colonel Ranald Mackenzie at Palo Duro Canyon and was moved to the reservation. Years later when both men became good friends and told many stories about the times they hunted the buffalo and actually knew of each other but never crossed paths. J. Wright Mooar died in 1940 at the age of 91 and Quanah Parker much earlier in 1911 at the estimated age of 62 or 63. Parker's exact birth date is uncertain.

It's important to note that Quanah Parker's father was a Comanche and his mother was a white woman.  Cynthia Ann Parker, Quanah's mother, had been kidnapped in 1835 during a Comanche raid on the family homestead near present day Groesbeck, Texas. At that time, the Parker home/fort was at the outer reaches of the frontier line in Texas. Quanah's Comanche father was Pete Nacona, a Comanche leader who was eventually killed in battle against the Texans at Pease River.

Events in Snyder Texas

Snyder, Texas is located about 85 miles southeast of Lubbock and about 80 miles west of Abilene,Texas, Texas along U.S. Hwy 84. 

Snyder is home to many events during the year. A sample of them include...White Buffalo Days, White Buffalo Bikefest, the West Texas Western Swing Festival. and a spectacular small town Fourth of July Celebration which includes arts and crafts, carnival rides, sand volleyball, basketball, softball, parade, and the big firework display.

East side of Snyder Courthouse Square

Also, you'll want to stop by at the Scurry County Heritage Village at 900 East Coliseum Dr. Plenty of interesting exhibits including old historic structures and replicas, oil and farming equipment and Engine No. 5, the last steam locomotive belonging to the Roscoe, Snyder and Pacific Railroad. Scurry County was named  after Confederate General Wm. Scurry. 

Another stop to make in Snyder, Texas is the Scurry County Museum. Located at 6200 College Ave, this unique museum displays exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Scurry County. There are permanent exhibits which are well-maintained, and informative. This museum is a great place for both adults and children and features many interactive displays. In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum also has two galleries that display revolving exhibits.

(Article and photos copyright 2014 Western Trips. J. Wright Mooar and White buffalo photos in the public domain)

See These Carson City Nevada Historic Sites

There's a lot of fun and educational things to do in Carson City Nevada for travelers young and old. Museum's, including the Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum, historic buildings and houses and unique shops and restaurants are all part of the Carson City experience.

Carson City is the state capital of Nevada and a city that has plenty of interesting history. Just driving through town and taking in some of the historic sites tells you so much about the early western days of Nevada.

The first Europeans to travel through the area, then known as Eagle Valley, were John C. Fremont in 1843. Fremont named the river through the valley the "Carson River" in honor of his scout Kit Carson. The natives of the area were the Washoe people.

The first structure in the area was a trading post in 1851. The trading post was also a stopover for emigrants on the California Trail's Carson Branch. The trading post was bought by a man named Abraham Curry in 1858 and he named the settlement Carson City. Carson City was named after the famous mountain man, Christopher Kit Carson.

Attractions in Carson City include the old U.S. Mint building. The old U.S. Mint  is all about the great silver mining and the famous Comstock Lode. Add to that the Orion Clemens House, built in 1862/63. Orion Clemens was the brother of Samuel Clemens, better known perhaps as Mark Twain. Both Clemens brothers traveled to Nevada from Missouri by stage coach. Orion served as the first and only Territorial Secretary of Nevada and his brother worked as a reporter for Nevada's first newspaper in Virginia City. Another quite historic building you'll want to see is the old St. Charles-Muller Hotel. This hotel was built in 1862 during Nevada's mining heyday and is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Carson City.

The old Carson City U.S. Mint

The Old U.S. Mint

Congress passed the act creating a U.S. Mint in Carson City Nevada in 1863 and the building was actually constructed three years later. It was three years after that that coining machinery arrived to allow the mint to create coinage.

The Carson City U.S. Mint produced coins from 1870 to 1885 and again from 1889 to 1893. When the mint ceased operations in 1893 it's machinery wasn't removed for about six years later. Press Number 1 has an interesting story attached to it. After being removed from Carson City the press was moved to the Philadelphia Mint. In 1930 old Press Number 1 was changed to use electric power rather than steam.

After a time in Philadelphia the press was shipped across the country to the San Francisco Mint. hen that mint stopped stamping coins in 1955 the press was scheduled to be scrapped. A Nevada judge and citizens of Carson City purchased the press in 1958 and it was shipped back to Carson City. In the mid 1960's there as a coin shortage and the old Carson City Press No 1 was loaned out to the Denver Mint. Finally the press arrived back at Carson City Nevada in 1967. This may certainly have been the longest journey of any coinage press ever.

Today, the coin press is being operated at the Nevada State Museum by volunteers. The Nevada State Museum makes an excellent stop on your next visit to the Carson City/ Reno area. The museum and old U.S. Mint building is located at 600 N. Carson St., Carson City, Nevada. This is four blocks north of the State Capitol.

The old Orion Clemens House

 Orion Clemens House

Among other Carson City attractions is the old Orion Clemens House. As mentioned above, both Orion Clemens and his brother Samuel Clemens traveled to Nevada in the summer of 1861. It was a tough journey from Missouri by stage coach and Samuel Clemens would later write about the stage coach adventure in his book, Roughing It.

After supporting Abraham Lincoln in the presidential election, Orion, a lawyer, was offered the job as the new Nevada Territory's first Secretary. This was the purpose of the trip and the reason that Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) headed west from Missouri. Orion Clemens served in that position from 1861 to 1864. Orion built his house in 1862 and his brother Samuel Clemens often visited this house.

The Orion Clemens House is located at 502 N. Division St. in Carson City. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places.

You may also enjoy our Western Trips and Trips Into History articles on the links below...

A Visit to Historic Truckee California in the Sierra Nevada

The Gatekeeper's Museum and Beautiful Tahoe City California

They Called It Hangtown For Good Reason

An excellent book to learn more about the colorful history of Carson City Nevada is...A Short History of Carson City by author Richard Moreno.

Walkway in front of the St. Charles-Muller Hotel

The St. Charles-Muller Hotel

The St. Charles-Muller Hotel is located at 302-304-310 S. Carson St. in Carson City. The hotel was constructed in 1862, the same year that Orion Clemens built his house, and is one of the oldest buildings in today's Carson City, Nevada. The hotel also has the distinction of being the second oldest hotel in Nevada. The hotel actually consists of two buildings. A two-story building is on the south and a three-story on the north side. The Muller Hotel was on the south side which catered to working class clientele. The St. Charles on the north catered to members of the second Territorial Session of the Nevada legislature.

The Italianate detailed hotel became the main stagecoach stop in Carson City. In fact, the hotel's owners set it up as the first stop the stagecoach would make in Carson City. Over the years since it's construction in 1862 the hotel has been known by several different names including the Pony Express Hotel.  

Historic St. Charles-Muller Hotel

Today, the old St. Charles-Muller Hotel has a restaurant on it's first floor. As of this writing, the top floors are still rented out as hotel rooms. 

Visitors to Carson City Nevada can enjoy learning about the historic past of this city which came to be and grew because of the western migration of the mid 1800's and the mining prospectors who crowded the area due to "silver fever". 

Carson City Nevada is located about 30 miles south of Reno, 27 miles northeast of the south shore of Lake Tahoe and about a 130 mile drive east of Sacramento California. 

(Article and photos copyright 2014 Western Trips)

Visit Truckee California and It's Historic Hotel

The name for the town of Truckee California was in honor of a Paiute Indian chief of that name who helped guide thousands of emigrants in their westward journey through 40-Mile Desert. The Forty Mile Desert is a California Gold Rush name for Nevada's Lahontan Valley. The actual story is that the chief's name sounded like "Tro-kay" to the white men and they dubbed him "Truckee".

The Truckee Hotel

Today's Truckee California, the charming and historic town in the high Sierra Nevada, had it's beginning connected with the building of the transcontinental railroad. In the year 1868, the the western end of the rail yard was constructed as rail track was laid east along the Truckee River towards Nevada and a16-stall roundhouse was constructed.

With the transcontinental railroad completed, Truckee rose to be an important rail operations and maintenance town. The town's railroad station is located right in the center of Truckee's Historic District on East River Street. Truckee's history has been preserved in it's historic buildings all along the historic district. Some of these buildings have been around for well over a century.

The Truckee Hotel / A Long History

The town of Truckee California has a fascinating history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Truckee is known for the emigrants traveling westward to California. It's history also includes logging and the tragic story of the stranded Donner Party. History tells us that the first wagon party to successfully cross the Sierra's was the Stephen's Party. The party consisted of ten families who crossed Donner Pass in 1844.

The Truckee Hotel

The Truckee Hotel was built in 1873, about four years after the opening of the transcontinental railroad, and is located across the street from the rail tracks. First named the American House,  the history of today's Truckee Hotel has all to do with a gentleman named Stewart McKay.

Stewart McKay, born in Nova Scotia, arrived in Truckee California in 1873 and owned and operated what was called the Whitney House which later became the Truckee Hotel.McKay was also a sawmill owner and developer who created an 80 acre summer camp for visitors on the west end of beautiful Donner Lake.

The old Truckee Hotel was once a stage stop on the Dutch Flat Wagon Road. This was a wagon road which began in the 1860's and crossed Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevadas. The wagon road was wide enough for two teams to pass without difficulty. Historians may note that this wagon road became a part of the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile road over Donner Summit.

Truckee CA Historic District

The Modern Growth of the  Truckee-lake Tahoe Area

Truckee experienced good growth from the beginning of the transcontinental railroad line into the 1900's and through the 1920's.

By 1915, Truckee became a favorite area for winter sports, featuring a huge ice palace for ice-skating and dancing, a toboggan slide and ski jump. The Truckee Ski Club was formed and its members participated in many competitions. Special excursion trains brought thousands of visitors to the area to enjoy the fresh air and to frolic in the snow. The movie industry brought crews to the area to film winter scenes. Famous movie actors became a familiar site on the streets of Truckee.

After the 1920's came the Great Depression. Truckee began a thirty year span of little growth and development especially during and after World War ll. Everything changed for the better in 1960.  Winter Olympic games were held ten miles to the south of Truckee at Squaw Valley. This catapulted the  Truckee-Tahoe area as a major destination resort for year-round recreation. Today, tourism is Truckee California's  number one industry.

See our Western Trips articles on the links below... 

A Visit to Nevada City California 

Things To Do in Grass Valley Califoria

See These Carson City Nevada Historic Sites

Two excellent books regarding Truckee California and the Donner Pass area include....To Truckee's Trail by author Celia Hayes and Donner Pass: Southern Pacific's Sierra Crossing by John R. Signor.


Visit Truckee California and the Truckee Hotel 

If you're looking for an historic hotel with old west charm, you might want to add the Truckee Hotel to your vacation planner.

The Truckee Hotel is centrally located to many North Lake Tahoe ski areas such as Squaw Valley, site of the 1960's Winter Olympics, as well as Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Alpine Meadows, Tahoe Donner, Royal Gorge and more. The Truckee Hotel address is 10007 Bridge Street, just east of the train depot.

Old Jail Museum

Any season of the year there's plenty of attractions in Truckee California. The beauty of the mountains and nearby Donner Lake offer outstanding photo opportunities. River raft on the Truckee River, ski at the nearby world class resorts, hike the many trails around Truckee which fit all skill levels. Experiencing the old west history of Truckee, it's old historic buildings and it's unique shopping and dining are all popular with tourists year round.

When you visit Truckee you may want to make a stop at the Old Jail Museum which is operated by the Truckee Donner Historical Society.  The Old Truckee Jail is located one block north of the historic district.


Truckee is located close to Reno Nevada via Interstate 80 and to the towns and cities of North lake Tahoe. Truckee, California is located 100 miles east of Sacramento and about 32 miles west of  Reno, Nevada. Whether your travels take you to Truckee and the surrounding area for a day trip or an extended vacation, you'll likely be in for a great time.

(Article and photos copyright 2014 Western Trips)

MORE TRUCKEE PHOTOS BELOW...

Omaha's Historic Attractions

The city of Omaha is named after the Omaha Indians who gave up the land where it was established in 1854. The tribes name "Omaha" means "Those going against the wind or current".

Florence Mill

Today's Omaha Nebraska has a population of about 800,000 and is the 42nd largest city in the U.S. Omaha has a very storied history involving the old frontier Army of the West, the railroad, pioneers over the Overland Trail, meat packers and of course Native Americans. As a result, you'll find a great many Omaha attractions when you visit the city, many being of historical significance.

Below are just a few of the attractions in Omaha you'll want to add to your Nebraska vacation planner.

Florence Mill

Located in the historic Florence Mill area of North Omaha, the Florence Mill was constructed in 1848 and over the years was referred to by several names. The mill has been known as Mormon Mill, Grist Mill and Old Pink Mill. This area of Omaha itself has more historic sites per square mile to offer the tourist than any other area of Nebraska.

This area of Omaha was settled long before today's settlement itself was established. After the fur trappers came Europeans and the missionaries who in many cases settled among the Native Americans. This was at a time prior to the forming of the Nebraska Territory. Also came the Mormons who after leaving Illinois in 1846 traveled west crossing the Missouri River and through Omaha on their way to present day Utah. During this journey the Mormons settled what was then known as Winter Quarters. The settlement later became known as Florence during the territorial era of Nebraska and was eventually annexed by Omaha.

During the second weekend of May Florence celebrates "Florence Days". Included is a parade and many fun activities. Today the Florence Mill is operated as the Winter Quarters Mill Museum and ArtLoft Gallery. The museum collections features many exhibits and newspaper articles from the pioneer days. From June through September you'll also ant to visit their popular Farmers Market. The Florence Farmer's Market began 21 years ago. The location of Florence Mill is near the 30th Street exit of I-680. The mill address is 9102 North 30th Street.

Florence Bank building

Florence Bank

Another historic site you'll want to visit in the Florence Mill area of North Omaha Nebraska is the Bank of Florence Museum. The museum address is 8502 North 30th Street and is operated by the Florence Historical Foundation. 

The Bank of Florence originally opened during the 1850's as soon as the vault arrived from the east. Interestingly enough you can still view this bank vault today as it has remained in it's original site.

The building was constructed at the old site of the Mormon Winter Quarters. The bank manager lived on the second floor. When the bank was opened, it would be another ten years before Nebraska would become a state. Because of this the Bank of Florence issued its own money in denominations of $1, $2, $3, and $5.  The bank notes became known as "wildcat currency."

The Bank of Florence failed during the financial panic of 1857 but the building again became a bank in 1890. This bank stayed solvent until the Great Depression. In 1904 .the second story was turned into the offices of the Florence Telephone Company. After the Florence Days in May, the bank is open for tours. Hours are 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Saturday and Sunday from June 1st through August 31st. The museum features a fine collection from Florence's rich history as well as an exhibit of the bank manager's second floor living quarters.

See the Western Trips articles on the links below...

See the Overland Trail Wagon Ruts / Nebraska

George Crook and the Aftermath of the Little Bighorn

General Crook House Museum

The General Crook House Museum

The Museum is the authentically restored home of General George Crook. It was constructed in 1879 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Crook House is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. The Crook House is located at historic Fort Omaha at 30th and Fort Streets.

Starting as a colonel during the American Civil War and promoted to general, Crook was captured by a band of Confederates, later paroled and again took up arms for the Union until Lee's surrender.

After the Civil War, General Crook led several expeditions in the frontier west including the expedition that eventually led to the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana.Involved in many expeditions against the Indians in the west, George Crook was considered by many to be the frontier west's most successful Indian fighter. Crook at different times in his career commanded the Division of Arizona and the Division of Missouri.

The house is an Italianate style, which represented the no-nonsense grandeur of the military frontier. The furnishings are from the 1880 Victorian period. From early November through the end of December, the museum celebrates Nineteenth Century Holidays. The Crook House Guild, with help from area designers and design students, transforms every room in the house into a captivating glimpse of Christmas past. The George Crook House exhibits how a Army Commanding Officer lived on the Frontier in the 1880s. The Crook House heirloom garden has more than 110 varieties of flowers and plants.

(Article copyright 2014 Western Trips. Photos and images in the public domain)

Fort Bowie Arizona and The Battle of Apache Pass

A visit to the Fort Bowie National Historic Site takes you back to the period when the U.S. Military fought a decades long war against the Chiriicahua Apaches.

Fort Bowie was the center of actions by the U.S. Army against the Chiricahua Apaches for twenty years. The fort was first established in 1862 by the California Column of Volunteers on its way to New Mexico during the American Civil War. 

Apache Pass

The site of the fort was at one time a stagecoach station along the Overland Mail route. The Overland stage station at Apache Springs was also the site in 1861 of a confrontation between Apache leader Cochise and a Lt. George Bascom. This encounter would be the trigger for an Apache War that would not officially end until the surrender of Geronimo in 1886.

After Geronimo's surrender the fort was no longer necessary and was abandoned in 1894. You'll find that many of the old west frontier forts were closed beginning in the late 1880's.


Hiking to the Fort Bowie Ruins

Today, hikers can take a trail that leads to the site of the fort ruins. Your hike will also take you to the ruins of the old Butterfield stagecoach station. These are two key sites to visit regarding the historic Butterfield cross country route and the Apache War. The westbound Butterfield stages in this region went to San Simon, Apache Pass, Ewell Springs and Dragoon Springs. From there it was to Benson Arizona, Tucson and to Yuma on the Colorado River. Apache Pass was considered the most vulnerable spot along the 2,900 plus miles of the Butterfield route.

Confederate flag raising at Tucson

The Fort Bowie Historic Site is open all year except on Christmas Day. The site is very popular with tourists despite its remote location. Some of the markers along the trail included the names of local plant life, an Apache campsite and the Fort Bowie graveyard. Inside the Visitors Center you'll find photos, plenty of artifacts as well as old military uniforms. The Fort Bowie Historic Site and the hiking trail to the Fort ruins make a fine family vacation stop.

To arrive at the hiking trail head take Highway 186 south from Willcox Arizona for about twenty-two miles  to Apache Pass Road. Follow Apache Pass Road for about eight miles until you get to the parking lot. The hiking trail is three miles long round trip.

See our Western Trips articles on the links below...

The Battle of Picacho Pass

Fort Apache National Historic Site

A Visit to Willcox Arizona

Ruins of Fort Bowie

The Battle of Apache Pass

The California Column of Volunteers started out from southern California in 1861 for two purposes. They were to take back what was then called Confederate Arizona and then head eastward to reinforce Union troops in present day New Mexico. 

At that time the Territory of New Mexico was what today are the present states of New Mexico and Arizona. The Confederate forces, most of which were from Texas, took control of the southern sections of both present day states. Tucson was it's western capital and this was another target of the California Column of Volunteers led by General James Henry Carleton.

The California Column of Volunteers traveled through southern Arizona like everyone did. They traveled from spring to spring. Water availability was essential and there just happened to be a well known spring near Apache Pass. 

Gen. James Henry Carleton

While the California Volunteers were sent to fight the Confederates, the Battle of Apache Pass was a battle against the Apache tribes. The troops under General Carleton were not on the trail of Apaches but were merely traveling eastward toward New Mexico on their campaign against the rebels. The battle was an offshoot of the bloody war which began in earnest a year earlier by Cochise. 

The battle of Apache Pass took place July 15-16, 1862.  This battle led directly to the erecting pf Fort Bowie which began near the end of July. 


Cochise kept small bands of warriors on horseback all throughout Apacheland. Indian smoke signals or lights seen mountain to mountain would often send forth two or three Apache groups against a moving column of soldiers. Typically, the Apaches avoided a head to head battle but rather would leave their horses behind and place the,selves behind rocks along the trail ready to spring an ambush.

Interestingly enough, the Apaches did not fully understand the Civil War and they thought that the absence of soldiers, most of which were transferred east, was a sign that they were effectively chasing them out of Apacheland. As a result, most of their depredations were targeted at white settlers. 

Arizona's Dragoon Mountains and Cochise Stronghold

The Battle of Apache Pass began when a forward advance of the California Volunteer column was searching for much needed water. The 88 man detachment found themselves boxed into a canyon that had Apaches high on the rocks above them raining fire down. The soldiers finally went through a breech and  made their way to the water but it took their howitzers to dislodge the Apaches from the overhead rocks. 

Without the howitzers the detachment could have been wiped out. The last shot of the battle struck Apache leader Mangas Coloradas in the chest and this event caused the Apaches to break away from the attack. Mangas Coloradas did survive his serious wound. 

An Excellent Western Trip Stop

The Battle of Apache Pass was a significant event during the Civil War. With General carleton able to push through to the east he was able to hook up with Union forces in New Mexico. Visiting this site takes you to both a historic site and one which saw more than it's share of violence both during the Butterfield Overland Mail days and during the Civil War. 

Visiting the Fort Bowie Visitors Center and taking the relatively short hike to the fort and stage station ruins is a fun and inexpensive way to learn more about the Apache Indians, old Arizona and the Civil War in the West. If your travels take you to southern Arizona along Interstate 10 the Fort Bowie National Historic Site is a fine addition to your western trip planner. Apache Pass is located about 106 miles east of Tucson Arizona and about 25 miles west of the New Mexico border.

(Article copyright 2014 Western Trips. Photos and images in the public domain)



 

The Old Jail in Clay County Texas

Travelers in north Texas have many historic sites to visit and one of those is in Clay County Texas in the town of Henrietta. Henrietta is locate about 20 miles southeast of Wichita Falls and about 118 miles northwest of Dallas Texas.

Further in this article we have featured some interesting and historic sites in Henrietta you'll want to visit. 

Nobody knows for certain how the town of Henrietta got it's name. It has been suggested that the name is a feminized version for "Henry" , the first name of Henry Clay for whom the county is named after. Henrietta is the county seat of Clay County and the town goes back to 1860 when it was comprised of less than a dozen homes and a general store. The year 1860 of course marked the beginning of the American Civil War and that event in itself had perilous consequences for this remote frontier town.

Clay County and Henrietta was located in the far western area of the Texas frontier. A frontier line that would actually be rolled back during the Civil War.

Henrietta Attacked and Burned

The Civil War left settlements on the frontier open to Indian attack. The war drew soldiers out of Texas to fight further east. U.S. troops were driven out of Texas by the Confederate forces. The local soldiers there to protect the settlers were gone. Any reluctance that the Indians had to attack was soon gone and attack they did.

Because of the Indian attacks, by the year 1862 Henrietta and Clay County were essentially vacated. It's white settlers fleeing to other counties. The empty town was raided by Indians and eventually burned down.

Old Clay County Jail and Sheriff's residence

Attempts to resettle Henrietta and Clay County in both 1865 and 1870 were met with disaster. Indians massacred settlers in both instances. This was a period of Comanche and Kiowa raids which made a good deal of north Texas from Clay County westward a dangerous place to settle. After the war and into the 1870's, the U.S. Cavalry was on the move attempting to end the raiding and place the Indians within Indian Territory in present day Oklahoma and not far north of Clay County Texas.

Henrietta Resettled in the Early 1870's

With the U.S. soldiers progress against the Indians, Henrietta was resettled in about 1873 and by 1874 had it's first post office. This was also the era when barbed wire started to fence in Clay County and bring an end to the open range in this part of Texas.

In 1881 the town was incorporated and by 1882 Henrietta welcomed the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad which was a major route up to Amarillo and eventually Denver Colorado.

The Old Clay County Jail Museum

Of interest to any traveler to this part of Texas is the old Clay County Jail which today is the 1890 Jail Museum-Heritage Center. The old jail and museum is located one block from today's Clay County Courthouse at 116 N. Graham in Henrietta. As of this writing, the 1890 Jail Museum-Heritage Center is open Th. & Fri., 10-2, Sat. 1-4; admission $2 adult, $1 student. 940-538-5655 or 940-524-3465

1884 Clay County Texas Courthouse

This was also the sheriff's residence at the time and actually served as a detention center until 1973. Today's museum and heritage center included exhibits on the old west, Texas ranching, old photos and family histories and agricultural displays. The museum also has the original jail cells and gallows of which the gallows reportedly were never used. You'll also see the sheriff's residence area with it's Victorian parlor. This was at a time when the sheriff's wife would prepare meals for any jail inmates.

See the Western Trips articles on the links below...

A Visit to Quanah Texas

A Visit to the Saints Roost Museum / Clarendon Texas 

The Charles Goodnight Ranch House 

A Walking Tout of Historic Gonzales Texas


The Old St. Elmo Hotel

Another interesting site is the remains of what was once the St. Elmo Hotel. The hotel located at 106 E. Omega Street (U.S. 82) was built in 1895 and reportedly had such guests as President Theodore Roosevelt and the old Comanche warrior and leader Quanah Parker who it was said married two of his wives there. A fire destroyed the hotel's top floors and the hotel never reopened. Today, an antique store occupies a part of the original lower floor.

St. Elmo Hotel, circa 1900

The Clay County Courthouse

The Clay County Courthouse was built in 1884 and is still in use today. The courthouse was built just a few years after the town incorporated. The courthouse architecture is Classical with Italianate influences. The building's original roof was hipped on a low pitch with a clock tower that was capped by a cupola and finished with sheet metal details. In 1911 the original roof was replaced with a gable roof and a low dome. The Clay Courthouse offices are generally in their same original configuration however over the years the walls have been paneled and dropped ceilings installed.

Historic and Fun Stops Along Texas U.S. Hwy 287

The old town of Henrietta, it's 1890 Jail Museum-Heritage Center and Clay County Texas is located along U.S. Hwy 287 which is the main highway between the Dallas/ Fort Worth area and Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. This is an old route and as such has many interesting and historic sites all along it's route.

One of these is the town of Quanah Texas, located about 80 miles northwest of Wichita Falls and named after the famous Comanche Quanah Parker, has a unique museum to visit

Exhibit in old train depot at Saints Roost Museum

Another good stop is to the Saints Roost Museum in Clarendon Texas, about 60 miles southeast of Amarillo. This is a museum that features many old west and ranching artifacts along with an original bunkhouse from the old JA Ranch and an old Fort Worth and Denver Railroad depot that was moved to the museum site.

The Old 1890 Jail in Henrietta, a visit to the Quanah, Acme and Pacific Railroad Museum in Quanah Texas and the very unique Saints Roost Museum in Clarendon Texas are all fun stops to make when traveling U.S. Hwy 287 between Dallas/ Fort Worth and Amarillo.

(Article and photos copyright 2014 Western Trips. St. Elmo Hotel photo courtesy http://texashistory.unt.edu)