Annie Riggs Hotel Museum – Fort Stockton, Texas
Fort Stockton, Pecos County, Texas offers an opportunity to step back in time in this 1900 Adobe Hotel, now the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum, appointed with a wide variety of items from the era. There are pictures of sheriffs watching you as you sign the guest book, a desk from Sheriff A.J. Royal’s office which bring out the questions about his murder in 1894 which is claimed to be a bloody chapter in the history of Pecos County. There is a ballot box dating from 1902 that was fished out of the Pecos River where it was tossed when an election didn’t go the way some people wanted.
The hotel consisted of 14 rooms and is an adobe block building which was managed by Annie Riggs until her death in 1931.
As you stroll through the museum you will see two early pianos in the parlor and the rules of the house written by Annie Riggs to clarify the rules about such things as spitting on the floor, burning the lights unnecessarily and what the rules were for guests with no luggage (can you figure out why??)
You will be able to see a room that is set up very much as it would have been at the time with the cast iron bed which had been purchased from Sears & Roebuck in 1900 for $6.75 (freight included).
The Archeology Room exhibits the tusks of a Columbian mammoth, and related artifacts which were found at a site 8 miles from town. The Butz Room has a Wells Fargo strong box made of cast iron and the safe from Koehler’s Store with a hidden keyhole.
Of course you will see a display of cowboy era items such as saddles, its and spurs, some examples of pioneer women and the clothing they wore. The Temporary Exhibit Room has changing displays along with an mural of Pecos County history.
Every other Thursday night from June through August there are country and folk music concerts at the museum. The outdoor programs are free and visitors are welcome. Call for reservation information.
Open: Monday – Saturday 9 – 6 and Sunday from 1 – 6 from October 1 – March 14. March 15 – September 30 Monday – Saturday 9 – 8 pm and Sunday 1 – 6.
Admission: Fee
Location: 301 S. Main St., Fort Stockton, Texas
Phone: 915-336-2167
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