During your time at this Fort Stockton, Texas attraction explore 13 rooms and a hidden courtyard showcasing artifacts ranging from turn of the century furnishings, an extensive photograph collection and archaeological artifacts. While each room’s exhibits tell an individual story, together the exhibits make up the history of Fort Stockton and Pecos County. Be sure to stop by the Gift Shop for Texas and Western souvenirs.
Inside the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum
Lobby
As you enter into the Museum’s Lobby, the desk from Sheriff A.J. Royal’s office echoes his 1894 murder, a bloody chapter in Pecos County history. A 1902 ballot box from Sheffield can be found on the desk, fished out of the Pecos River where it was tossed when the folks in east Pecos County objected to the outcome of an election.
Parlor
In the Parlor, you will find two early pianos from Fort Stockton. The house rules set by Annie Riggs during the days she ran the hotel and boarding house as well as historic photographs and Texas memorabilia line the walls of the Parlor.
Other Rooms
Other exhibit areas are dedicated to archaeology, geology, religion, ranching, Hispanic heritage, pioneers, and early businesses. One of the 13 rooms, with a cast iron bed ordered from Sears & Roebuck in 1900 for the cost of $6.75 including freight, recreates a hotel room from the days Annie Riggs used the building as a hotel and boarding house. Purchased by Riggs in 1922, the Kitchen features the first electric stove in Fort Stockton. In the Museum’s Archaeology Room tusks of a Columbian mammoth and related artifacts found at a site eight miles from Fort Stockton can be found. The Butz Room features a Wells Fargo strong box made of cast iron and the safe from Koehler’s Store. A variety of other rooms showcasing the cowboy era display saddles, bits and spurs. You will learn about geologic formations and why and where we have oil and gas. In the Museum’s temporary exhibit room, displays change periodically. An excellent mural of Pecos County history by artist Stylle Reed and a short video on Pecos County history are also featured in the Museum’s temporary exhibit room.
Hidden Courtyard
Be sure to explore the history museum’s Hidden Courtyard. Located at the back of the Museum, the Hidden Courtyard’s wrap-around porches offer inviting benches and an interior courtyard with a restored Pecos County buggy. To the east are views of the Museum’s garden with plants native to Texas.
Stop by the Gift Shop carrying Texas and Western merchandise as well as an excellent book selection. The Museum’s two volume Pecos County History books are also available upon request.
Travel Tips
- The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum is ADA complaint.
- Don’t forget your camera. There will be exciting photo opportunities you do not want to miss.