Fort Stockton, Texas
Annie Riggs Memorial Museum

The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum still keeps house with the past, the exhibits echoing yesteryear in Pecos County. It is owned by the Fort Stockton Historical Society.

The Adobe Hotel, built in 1900, now houses the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum.

In the lobby, a stern-faced lineage of sheriffs gaze down at the visitors signing the guest book. The desk from Sheriff A.J. Royal's office whispers of his 1894 murder, a bloody chapter in the history of Pecos County. A 1902 ballot box from Sheffield can be found on the desk. The box was fished out of the Pecos River where it was tossed when the folks in East Pecos County objected to an election which didn't go to suit them.

The parlor is home to two early pianos of Fort Stockton. Hanging on a wall are the house rules set by Annie Riggs. Provisions were made for guests with no luggage, spitting on the floor and for the burning of light's unnecessarily.

Typical guest room of the western days. The cast iron bed was a $6.75 bargain from Sears & Roebuck circa 1900.

One guest room is furnished much as it was during the hotel's heyday. The cast iron bed was ordered from Sears & Roebuck in 1900 for a cost of $6.75, including freight.

Other rooms offer displays on the area's vast and diversified history. The Archeology Room exhibits the tusks of a Columbian mammoth, and related artifacts found at a site eight miles from town. The Butz Room features a Wells Fargo strong box made of cast iron and the safe from Koehler's Store with its hidden keyhole.

The Cowboy Room, a favorite of visitors

Other rooms offer displays on the area's vast and diversified history. The Archeology Room exhibits the tusks of a Columbian mammoth, and related artifacts found at a site eight miles from town. The Butz Room features a Wells Fargo strong box made of cast iron and the safe from Koehler's Store with its hidden keyhole.

A variety of other rooms feature the cowboy era with saddles, bits and spurs, pioneer women and their clothing. Visitors learn of geologic formations and why and where we have oil and gas. The Temporary Exhibit Room has displays that change periodically as well as an excellent mural of Pecos County history by artist Stylle Reed, and an apportunity to view a video of local history.

Every other Thursday night from June through August country and folk music concerts are held at the Museum. The outdoor programs are free and visitors are welcome. Call for reservation information.

The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum is open six days a week, and is located at the corner of Main and Callaghan (number 3 on the historical tour). Visitors can experience a thriving desert garden at the back of the museum, inviting benches on the wrap-around porches and an interior courtyard with a restored Pecos County buggy.

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