We have lived in Texas for over twenty years, but for some reason, we have never visited Big Bend National Park. We still haven’t! (Actually, my husband visited it when he was single.) However, our first stop on this very laid-back vacation was Fort Davis, an old army post which apparently is a must-see for all Big Bend visitors. And rightfully so.
Ft. Davis is a partially restored old army post on the San Antonio – El Paso Road. It served as a post from (roughly) the 1850s to the 1890s. It is incredibly picturesque – nestled in a mountain range. It is exactly the type of terrain you’d expect to see John Wayne, Henry Fonda, and Jimmy Stewart saddling up their horses in order to go protect the passing westward bound wagon trains.
Quite a few of the original buildings and most of the foundations are still there. The National Park Service has restored and furnished several buildings – one of each “type” >>> enlisted men’s barracks, officers’ quarters, officers’ servants’ quarters (Can you imagine that?!), and the commanding officer’s quarters (Wow-zee!). But by far, the most interesting building for us was the restored and refurnished hospital. I commented to my husband that seeing the doctor’s black bag open on the table as you walked into his office would have made me re-think just how sick I really felt. That’s the effect the gleaming, shiny saw would have had on me!
I think Ft. Davis is well worth the detour off of I-10 between El Paso and San Antonio. It looks like Alpine is the nearest town with lodging. We only spent two hours at the fort because my husband felt a little tired, but you could easily spend three to four hours walking round the site itself. And, there are actual trails for those who are more adventurous.
P.S. Be sure to get the “Bugle Calls” sheet from the ranger on duty. It’s fun to be able to identify what the bugle calls signify as they are played throughout your visit.
Pat T. says
My husband is a volunteer at the Western National Parks Assoc. headquarters in Tucson, so whenever we travel by car now, we try to stop at any WNPA parks on our way. Fort Davis was one of them we visited a year ago, and as you say, it is extremely interesting.
I noticed you’ll be visiting San Xavier on your way to CA. That’s a beautiful mission, and well worth even going out of one’s way to see! Hope you enjoy your stay in Tucson!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pat T, while we were in Tucson we went to the Mission San Xavier del Bac. It is truly a beautiful “working” mission. We arrived on Sunday right as Mass was ending. We didn’t realize that it is actually an active mission. There were many, many lit candles in the church and chapel, and many more candles being bought to light. I was amazed at how the mission stands out in the middle of its desert surroundings. You’re right, it is “a beautiful mission, and well worth even going out of one’s way to see!“
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
We have driven past that many times on our way to NM and haven’t gone to Big Bend or the fort. We really should make time for it! You’ve inspired me!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Maria, we really enjoyed it. I’m sorry we never took our children to the fort.
Arlene says
You all really, really need to get to Big Bend. Several years ago we were visiting in south TX and were ready to head home until we checked the weather – still minus 20 in the midwest so we took the two days there and two days back plus three days we planned on and a fourth we added. Temps in the 80s, ok kind of windy, and in the midst of a drought. It was where we realized the “stars at night are (truely) big and bright”. No light pollution. We did get smoke from a wild fire 200 miles north, but the place is one of the most beautiful wild places in TX.
arlene
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Arlene, Big Bend is on our list of places to go to >>> when the weather gets a little cooler. You made Big Bend sound like it’s definitely worth our while. I can certainly understand you wanting to stay an extra four days in the south – when you knew “minus 20” was going to be greeting you in the midwest!
Donna V says
I highly recommend Dolores Johnson’s Mandy Dyers series. I just started reading them and can’t put them down. Mandy inherited a dry cleaners from her uncle and bodies seem to show up. Great characters, keeps you on our toes. Unfortunately this series was written from 1997 to 2007 so it’s an old series but I have been able to find them on Amazon. A very good “whodunit” series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Donna V, I’m going to go add Dolores Johnson’s Mandy Dyers Mystery Series to the Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations – April 2013. (Yikes, I already did!)