Oil boom beginning in 1929 brought great population growth. City is home of Odessa College and University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The grounds were being maintained, but the current use of the depot, if any, was not apparent. Looks like it could be reopened without significant effort. Established 1881 as stop on Texas and Pacific Railroad, Pecos gained early fame as hangout for rowdy cowboys and fast-draw lawmen.
Quality derives from natural combination of alkali soil, western sunlight and altitude.
Pecos cantaloupes enjoy comparable status with Maine lobsters, French wines and Swiss cheeses. Harvested late July through Sept. with a festival held in late summer. See restored ornate fixtures, accurate displays of life in the late 1800s, and site where two outlaws were gunned down by quick-draw bartender, Barney Riggs. This sub has welded rail from Fort Worth to Abilene. About half of the rail between Abilene and Big Spring is welded.