Visiting the Langtry House of Judge Roy Bean. Those who visit Southwest Texas come for a variety of reasons. From hiking and exploring the great outdoors to finding great places to eat to learning about the true history of the Wild West, there is something for everyone. One of the most interesting places to visit for Old West aficionados is the tiny town of Langtry.
While in the remnants of the town, you can see the courthouse of Judge Roy Bean, one of the most notorious judges in the entire West – perhaps all of American history. Known as the Law West of the Pecos, Roy Bean was eccentric and often interpreted the law in his own special way. This meant that many people might not have gotten trials considered fair by today’s standards.
You can see the saloon, courtroom, and billiard hall where Judge Roy Bean held sway during the 1880s.
At the Visitor’s Center in Langtry, you will also be able to see a number of items related to Roy Bean, including his pistol, which he also used as a gavel. You can see the butt of the revolver is cracked from him banging it on the desk as a makeshift gavel so many times.
In a nearby information center, you can see six dioramas, with sound, that show highlights from Judge Bean’s career. In addition, you will see a beautiful cactus garden that has many different types of flora from all around the Southwest. Plaques will give you information as well as Indian lore about the plants. You will be able to take a self-guided audio tour of the garden at your leisure.
You will also be able to find some other great places in the town to take some interesting photos. The Langtry Baptist Church, still in use on two Sunday’s out of the month, and an old limestone bridge both make great subjects.
From the Langtry House of Judge Roy Bean to the beautiful gardens and the unique little town, there are many different things to see and love when you visit. If you are in the area, you and the family should make sure that you take the time to visit. It is like stepping into the past, and you get to learn about one of the most eccentric characters in Wild West history.
Admission to the Center is free. It is open daily from 8AM to 5PM except on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center
U.S. Highway 90 West/State Loop 25
at Torres Avenue
Langtry, TX 78871
800-452-9292
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