Van Horn, Texas
– A Desert Stop with a Rich Past.
Van Horn, Texas, may seem like just another small town on the map, but its history and charm are anything but ordinary. Nestled in the vast expanses of West Texas, Van Horn is a gateway to the Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend National Park. It has a rich history filled with stories of frontier resilience and modern rejuvenation. From the historic El Capitan Hotel to the Clark Hotel’s storied past, this town is well worth a visit for those seeking a glimpse into Texas history.
The Founding of Van Horn
Van Horn was established in the late 19th century as a crucial stop for travelers and freight lines moving across West Texas. The town was named after Lieutenant James Judson Van Horn and was stationed nearby during the Civil War. Its strategic location made it an essential rest stop for travelers heading west to California or east to larger Texas cities.
Originally a small settlement supported by ranching and the railroad, Van Horn’s early economy revolved around transportation and service industries. As more settlers moved into the region, the town grew, and by the early 20th century, Van Horn had become an important center in Culberson County.
The Clark Hotel: A Frontier Landmark
An important structure in Van Horn is the Clark Hotel, the town’s first permanent building.
The earliest portion of the hotel, constructed in 1901, initially housed the town’s original post office. The main portion of the building was added in 1905-06 by John Cox, who made the concrete blocks by hand on-site.
The Clark Hotel served as the Culberson County Courthouse when the county was newly organized in 1911-12. For years, the building was a hub of community life, hosting theatrical performances, school graduations, and housing a variety of shops, offices, and even a saloon. In 1918, Fred Clark converted the structure into a hotel, and it continued to serve as a key part of Van Horn’s social and economic fabric.
The Historic El Capitan Hotel
One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the El Capitan Hotel, which was built in 1930. This grand hotel was one of several built by the Gateway Hotel chain, including the Hotel Paisano in Marfa, Texas. The architecture of El Capitan reflects the Mission Revival style, with its stucco façade, elegant arches, and red-tiled roof.
Over the decades, the El Capitan Hotel has undergone numerous renovations, and today it stands as a beautifully restored historic property. Visitors can enjoy modern amenities while soaking in the charm of a bygone era. The hotel’s restaurant and bar are also popular spots for travelers and locals alike, offering a taste of Texas hospitality in a setting steeped in history.
Modern-Day Van Horn
Today, Van Horn is still a small but vital community.
As a gateway to some of West Texas’s most stunning natural landscapes, it attracts visitors seeking adventure in the Guadalupe Mountains or on their way to Big Bend. The downtown area, though small, offers a glimpse of the town’s rich history, with restored buildings like the El Capitan Hotel and the Clark Hotel keeping the past alive.
Visitors to Van Horn can explore the town’s history while enjoying its modern amenities, making it an ideal stop for those looking to experience the rugged beauty and fascinating past of West Texas. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal at El Capitan or exploring the Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn offers a unique blend of frontier history and desert hospitality.
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