Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
FORTS TRAIL
The Texas plains west of the Hill Country are only somewhat less sparsely populated than they were a century
and more ago. In the 18th century this region marked the high-water mark of Spain's expansion north. A century
later it was the scene of the frontier wars as settlers and ranchers fought for control of the land against the tribes
who had called it home for eons.
Forts for militia and troops were built at regular intervals during the 1850s. Many are now historic sites and the
Forts Trail links many across this vast region. Contrary to stereotype, a lot of the country here is fairly lush, with
rolling hills and winding streams. You can still get a sense of what it must have been like to be a young soldier on
the edge of wilderness in the often-lonely sites below.
»
Fort Concho (
Click here
)
»
Fort Griffin (
Click here
)
»
Fort McKavett (
Click here
)
»
Fort Phantom Hill (
Click here
)
»
Presidio de San Sabá (
Click here
)
Some 15 miles north of Albany, the
Fort Griffin State Historic Site
( 325-762-3592;
www.visitfortgriffin.com
;
1701 N US 283; adult/child $4/free; 8am-5pm)
showcases a handful of some-
what restored buildings and the ruins of a fort that served the frontier during the Co-
manche wars from 1867 through 1881. Today, the park is probably best known as a prin-
cipal home of the official Texas longhorn herd.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Lubbock
POP 229,500
'Lubbock or leave it' sing the Dixie Chicks, but this seemingly characteristic bit of Texas
bravado isn't what it seems, as the song includes sardonic lines such as 'Got more
churches than trees.' And while you'll see plenty of steeples on the horizon, what will
really strike you about west Texas' liveliest city is its celebration of life beyond cotton and
cows.
Buddy Holly grew up in Lubbock and the town celebrates his legacy in both attractions
and an entire entertainment district. It's possible to still find the rockabilly sound that
Holly made famous. The other big sound happens on fall weekends when the roar of fans
at sport-mad Texas Tech football games can stop a tumbleweed in its tracks.
Lubbock is known as 'Hub City' because so many major highways meet here.
