On July 4, 1883, Pecos was the site of the world’s first rodeo. This precise historical date is a striking introduction to Reeves County; other stories tell of buildings, landmarks, and an annual rodeo. A different perspective can be found at Balmorhea State Park in the southeastern part of the county. There, springs, a swimming pool enclosed by rock walls, and waterways leading to Balmorhea Lake reveal a distinctive natural history.
Rodeo and History in Pecos
The annual West of the Pecos Rodeo is among the 40 rodeos with the highest prize money awarded by the PRCA. In 2008, it was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. If you choose the rodeo as the reason for your trip, check the event dates in advance. That way, you can plan around the event without confusing the historical date of 1883 with a current event date.
The Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame focuses on people who competed in the West of the Pecos Rodeo in Pecos. Its permanent home is in the Old T&P Depot at the corner of Dot Stafford Street and Oak Street. This brings into focus not only the competition, but also the people who took part.
The town’s architectural history also offers specific dates: the West of the Pecos Museum consists of a saloon built in 1896 and a hotel added in 1904. The two years mark distinct stages of construction. A historic Reeves County marker from 1936 stands in Pecos in the museum courtyard at the intersection of Cedar Street and First Street. Pecos is also widely known for its sweet cantaloupes—another facet of the town beyond rodeo and local history.
Springs and Waterways Near Balmorhea
Balmorhea State Park is near Toyahvale in southeastern Reeves County, along State Highway 17. Among its distinctive features is a swimming pool around San Solomon Springs, enclosed by rock walls built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The combination of spring, pool, and built enclosure gives this place a different story from Pecos’ rodeo and architectural histories.
The park’s springs provide habitat for the endangered Comanche Springs pupfish and the Pecos gambusia. The water’s course can also be traced beyond the protected area: water flows from the spring area through canals and a restored wetland to Balmorhea Lake. This natural perspective follows the water from the spring to a lake whose location is precisely identified.
Balmorhea Lake is two miles southeast of Balmorhea in Reeves County. The lake has shoreline access and adequate facilities for launching boats; water levels can affect access. If you plan to visit the shore or launch a boat, take this limitation into account as you prepare.
Mission Mary and Calera
Mission Mary, also called Calera Chapel, is two miles west of Balmorhea State Park on FM 3018. It was an early church in Reeves County and primarily served the Mexican American residents of Calera. Its story connects a specific place with the community the church was chiefly intended to serve.
Mission Mary was renovated in 2003, and in May of that year it was dedicated as an interdenominational chapel. This marks a historical milestone, not current access. For travelers interested in the region’s cultural history, Calera’s story adds a distinct perspective to Pecos’ rodeo and local history.
Pecos as a Point of Reference
Interstate 20 (IH-20) and U.S. Highway 285 intersect in Pecos. This road junction provides a clear reference point for finding your way around town. The subjects described also offer different points of reference for planning your trip: Pecos is the focus of rodeo and local history, while the information about Balmorhea State Park and Balmorhea Lake introduces the spring-fed landscape and waterways.
Discover more destinations: Pecos, Brown County, Kendall County, Erath, Callahan County, Harrison County, Kenedy County, Bee County.
For the main travel overview: Texas.
