LANGTRY

Population 30

Altitude 1,315

General

In deep Southwest Texas by the Rio Grande, the village was established 1881 when Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway was building through; was junction of construction from east and west. Two origins of town's name exist; one prosaic, the other romantic. one credits town name to a civil engineer named Langtry who directed group of Chinese laborers in railroad construction. But colorful Judge Roy Bean (see below) insisted he named town after his idol, English actress Lillie Langtry, the "Jersey Lily."

High Bridge Adventures-Scenic boat tours on Pecos River and Rio Grande. For information/reservations, write to P.O. Box 816, Comstock, TX 78837 or call 915/292-4495.

JUDGE ROY BEAN VISITOR CENTER

SCENIC OVERLOOK

SEMINOLE CANYON STATE PARK

Attractions

• JUDGE ROY BEAN VISITOR CENTER-Features rustic saloon, courtroom and billiard hall of Judge Roy Bean, the colorful and controversial "Law West of the Pecos" in 1880s. The center preserves historic site where Judge Bean ruled with high-handed, but appropriate brand of homespun law, outrageous humor and six shooter justice. Adjacent modern visitor center interprets highlights of Judge Bean's career in six dioramas with special sound programs. Travel counselors provide literature and information about every part of Texas. Impressive cactus garden displays flora of Southwest; plaques label specimens and cite Indian/pioneer lore about the thorny plants. Self-guided tape recorded tour of garden available. Free attraction, open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's; operated by Texas Department of Transportation.
• SCENIC OVERLOOK-U.S. 90 spans arid, primitive land little changed since pioneers first made their way across it in creaking wagons. One of the most formidable barriers to early-day travel and civilization-was the precipitous canyon of the Pecos River. Modern travelers can pause and picnic in roadside park by U.S. 90 on east rim of canyon, about 18 miles east of Langtry. View is spectacular and provides insight into difficulties faced by pioneers who had to negotiate crossing without a bridge of any kind. Water form Amistad Lake is now about 80 feet deep in canyon.
• SEMINOLE CANYON STATE PARK-Guided hiking tours (strenuous) Wed. - Sun. at 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. to Fate Bell Shelter where 4,000-year-old rock art may be seen: visitor center houses displays of early man and area history. Remainder of park open daily; campsites and picnicking. Note: Park closed for permit hunting in Jan.; only open on weekends. On U.S. 90, 20 miles east. Admission. 915/292-4464.

Back to Main | Advertiser's Index | City Index