Fort D.A. Russell

One Cavalry Row

432.729.4362 (Chinati Foundation)

Fort D.A. Russell began to form as early as 1911 when soldiers camped in the grassy meadow not far from the railroad tracks. The Mexican Revolution made the borderland vulnerable to raids across the river, forcing the need of a more permanent military presence that became known as Camp Marfa, a fixed installation for cavalry troops.

After the Border Patrol was established in 1924, the government shifted focus to military maneuvers and exercises. From then until the mid 1930’s, Camp Marfa languished due to a shift away from cavalry troops to more mechanized modes of war making. After being petitioned by the town of Marfa, the government reinvested in the base by moving the 77^th Field Artillery to the area. The Second World War brought the Chemical Warfare Brigades to the installation as well as a Prisoner of War Camp. Both installations were closed after the end of the war in 1945. The Fort was sold off piece meal until the early 70’s when modernist sculptor, Donald Judd bought the bulk of the fort making it into a permanent art installation under the auspices of the Chinati Foundation. Although there is currently no museum for the fort, the visitor can tour the foundation.

El Paisano Hotel

207 North Highland Ave.

800 662-5517

The El Paisano Hotel was built in 1930. Initiated by the Gateway Hotel chain of El Paso, Texas, architect Henry Trost was asked to design the 60 room hotel in the Spanish Colonial style. Ornate ceramic tile and wrought ironwork adorn the interior and exterior of the building. The El Paisano Hotel became part of legend when the 1950’s film Giant came to the town of Marfa. It was used as a backdrop for scenes of the film that starred Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean. The hotel restaurant, bar and swimming pool also became a meeting place for the cast and crew during their stay. In 2001, the hotel was bought by the owners of the Limpia Hotel in Fort Davis and has recently been restored. 

Presidio County Courthouse

Lincoln Street (at North Highland)

This three-story Empire-revival building was constructed in 1886 at the cost of $60,000. The structure of the building is made of hand-made bricks from a local ranch. Before its construction, the county seat for the area was in Fort Davis, but a determined lobbying group and some questionable political maneuvers allowed the town of Marfa to house the seat of government. The structure still serves as permanent facilities for much of the county government.

The courthouse has been described as having a rectangular plan with four corner towers and Mansard roofs all surrounding an imposing Brunelleschi-like dome clad in tin. A large white statue of Lady Justice tops the tower and can be seen from much of the town. The interior is grand in proportion and detailed with rich woodworking. . An extensive renovation was completed in January 2002. Open to the public for viewing. Inquire at the courthouse.

Marfa Presidio County Museum

110 West San Antonio Street

432.729.4140

This gracious old house (the Humphries House) is located on San Antonio Street, between South Austin and South Highland, or Highway 90. The museum contains a fascinating and rich collection of artifacts that chronicle the history of the area from the earliest inhabitant, the indigenous Jumano Native American, to the present. It is a source of local pride and the collection is beautifully displayed. Particularly interesting to the tourist will be the historical photos of Marfa and environs. The large collection of Frank Duncan photographs are a prized possession of the museum.  Admittance is free and the museum is open year round from Monday to Saturday from 2-5 p.m.  A 30 minute slide show titled A Ribbon at a Time, depicting the early history of Marfa is available for viewing. For the curious, there is also a 5 minute video about the Marfa Mystery Lights.