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ALPINE TEXAS |
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Before Alaska became a state Alpine was the largest city in the largest county in the largest state in America. Alpine started being populated in 1882 when railroad builders pitched their tents while working on the transcontinental railroad that passes through Alpine. Alpine grew slowly until 1921, when Sul Ross State Normal
College (now Sul Ross State University) opened, causing a big population
increase. Alpine's current population, at last count, is 5,786. |
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The Museum of the
Big Bend is on the campus of Sul Ross State University. The museum's
collections showcase the cultures of the Big Bend Region, Native American,
Spanish, Mexican and American. Near the museum entrance you'll find the
Chihuahuan Desert Cactus Garden.
The Apache Trading Post can supply you with books and Big Bend Country Maps. You'll find a collection of Alpine area gems, minerals and agates at the Last Frontier Museum, located in the lobby of the Antelope Lodge. |
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In 1947 a legendary Alpine rancher named Herbert Kokernot turned his baseball
dream into reality with the building of Kokernot Field
where the minor league Alpine Cowboys played from 1947 til 1958. Currently
Kokernot Field is the home field for the Sul Ross State University Lobos. If you want to go Agate hunting head south of Alpine on Highway 118 for 18 miles to Woodward Ranch, home of the famed Red Plume Agate, along with over 60 other types of agates and gemstones, like opal, feldspar, jasper, calcite and labradite. On the 3,000 acre Woodward Ranch you will also find scenic drives, hiking trails, bird watching and stargazing under the extremely clear sky. But, the main attraction is the agates. |
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There are over 500 motel rooms in Alpine, plus 4
full hook-up RV parks. Amtrak comes through Alpine 3 times a week. If rustic casual is what you're looking for try the Antelope Lodge, built in the late 1940s, the lodge retains its un-modern, historic charm. The Highland Inn is located across the street from Sol Ross State University. The Maverick Inn has undergone an extensive renovation and now has all the modern amenities, like Wi-Fi, flat panel TVs, mini-refrigerators, microwaves and Saltillo tile floors. If you want an upscale place to stay, there are the Alpine Guest Lofts. Built in 1912, the historic, ornate Holland Hotel is in downtown Alpine. If a mountain getaway, in a cozy B & B, is what you're looking for, there is the White House Inn. Also in Alpine you will find one of the few chain hotels in far West Texas, a Ramada Inn. WHERE TO EAT IN ALPINE |
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Visit
our Eyes on Texas Blog to make a |
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HOME TEXAS TOWNS PARADES | |||
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BIG BEND COUNTRY | |||
GULF COAST PINEY WOODS | |||
PRAIRIE & LAKES HILL COUNTRY | |||
SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS | |||
PANHANDLE PLAINS | |||
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Del Rio El Paso Fort Davis | |||
Fort Stockton Langtry Marfa | |||
Midland Monahans Odessa Pecos | |||
Sanderson Terlingua Wink | |||
Guadalupe Mountains National Park | |||