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Sanderson, Texas

Sanderson is the Cactus Capital of Texas and Eastgate to the Big Bend Wilderness Area. On Historic Highway 90, about midway between San Antonio and El Paso, its geographic location and altitude of about 3,000 feet give Sanderson a climate unparalleled in the Southwest. The legacy of a rich and colorful past endures in the surviving architectural heritage of adobe and stucco buildings; the century-old depot; railroad buildings and cattle pens.

Sanderson was originally named Strawbridge when the Texas and New Orleans Railroad reached the townsite. When the railroad established a roundhouse and service facilities in 1881, it was renamed Sanderson for the railroad construction engineer. Terrell County was created out of Pecos County in 1905, and Sanderson was designated county seat. The main stream of economy is gas and oil production and ranching.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Sanderson Depot

The original heart of Sanderson, the Sanderson Depot is located on historic Downie Street. The Great American Station Foundation recently designated the Sanderson Depot as one of the ten most endangered stations in America. Terrell County received a Transportation Enhancement Grant in 2001

Sanderson, TX Railroad History

Terrell County Visitor Center

Established in 1995, the Visitor Center serves thousands of travelers seeking information about Sanderson, Terrell County and the Big Bend National Park and Wilderness Area.

Sanderson, TX Visitors Centers

Terrell County Memorial Museum

The Terrell County Memorial Museum features turn-of-the-century ranch memorabilia which includes tools, implements, clothing and household goods.

Sanderson, TX Museums

Railroad Bunkhouse

Constructed prior to 1900, the bunkhouse is one of the oldest buildings in Sanderson. Assessed in 2001

Sanderson, TX Railroad History

Things to do near Sanderson, TX

West-of-the-Pecos Museum and Park

The West-of-the-Pecos Museum occupies an old saloon and three floors of the historic hotel, once the area's finest. See resto...

Comanche Springs

Once among largest springs in Texas, now site of Olympic-sized swimming pool....

Red Rock Ranch Tours

Guided driving and hiking tours provide visitors with magnificent views of wind carved Precambrian rock formations, panoramic...

Wilderness Park Museum

Dioramas depict ancient Indian tribes of the Southwest, their survival in the desert, and life to a changing environment. Als...

Fine Arts

Several theatre groups offer seasonal productions, including the Theatre of the Big Bend, which offers musicals and dramas un...