MONAHANS

Population 8,245

Altitude 2,613

General

Spanish explorers crossed area of present Ward County more than 400 years ago, but it remained undisturbed habitat of Indians until mid-1800s. City established about 1881 as stop on Texas and Pacific Railroad, building west from Fort Worth. County seat, today a financial and marketing center for more than 800 square miles of cattle and oil country.

Oil wells, drilled at a distance from the downtown area, are slanted to draw oil from beneath city hall, courthouse, banks and business houses.

Attractions

• MILLION BARREL MUSEUM-Built in 1928 as oil-storage facility, huge tank was abandoned due to leakage. Converted in 1987 to museum featuring relocated and restored Holman House that served as hotel at terminus of Monahans-Fort Stockton Stage Line early in 20th Century. Period furnishings. Also on site is first Ward County jail, display of antique oil field equipment and amphitheater. Open daily. On U.S. 80, 1.5 mi. east of city.
• MONAHANS SANDHILLS STATE PARK-4,000 acres of wind-sculptured sand dunes like classical landscape of the Sahara. Park has modern museum and interpretive center, picnicking, camping and sand surfing. Huge sandhills area, only part of which is in park, was formidable obstacle to pioneer travelers and wagon trains. Indians knew it better and frequently camped here because pure, fresh water could be found between certain dunes by scooping a trench in sand. Not apparent to eye is one of largest oak forests in nation, stretching over 40,000 acres of arid land. the "forest" is not apparent because mature trees (Harvard oaks) are seldom over three feet high, yet they send down roots as far as 90 feet to maintain miniature surface growth. The unusual park is on I-20/U.S. 80 five miles east. Admission.
• PYOTE MUSEUM AND RATTLESNAKE BOMBER BASE-Old base, south of I-20, was home of the 19th (B-17) Bomb Group during World War II. Museum displays area history, momentos of base. Open Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun. 2 - 6 p.m. Museum is in county park that also offers picnicking, swimming pool, three-hole golf course, tennis and overnight camping. On I-20, 15 miles west of Monahans.

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