Langtry is a desolate railroad town in West Texas and is comprised of eight Historical Commission markers, such as Jersey Lilly, Old Hanging Tree, Langtry School, Prizefight, Torres Family. The town was established to support the transcontinental rail line for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The town was perched high on a cliff above the canyon of the Rio Grande, which made it easier for coal and oil burning locomotives as they required large amounts of water.

As the city was being established, it was a hotbed for workers; as a result, Justice of the Peace Roy Bean served as the “the Law Weat of the Pecos” and built a saloon named after a singer who was infatuated. Roy Bean had a following of henchmen, and he was feared by violators and law-abiding people. Additionally, since he was the Law, Roy Bean participated and in prize fighting.

The area is extremely beautiful; however, prior to traveling, ensure you stop in Del Rio or Comstock to get fuel and snacks. There is no country or convenance store in the town. There is a Visitor’s Center, ice cream store and post office in the town.