 Comanche
Trail Park's Big Spring gave city its name
General -
Seat of Howard County ; name derived from huge natural spring on
Sulphur Draw that watered buffalo, antelope, wild mustangs, and Comanche and Shawnee
Indians. First white men at site in 1849. Spring today is at center of city park. City is
home of Howard College and Dorothy Garrett Coliseum, and Southwest Collegiate Institute
for the Deaf. Heritage walking tour features 26 historic buildings with antique and gift
shops, railroad and train display and memorabilia. From Railroad Plaza where Union Pacific
railroad meets Main St.
Big Spring State Park-
343 acre park contains dance pavilion, playground, picnic sites,
jogging and nature trails, and prairie dog town. Scenic drive overlooks city. At south
edge of city off F.M. 700; admission.
City Park-
Home of spring that gave Big Spring it's name; features 6500 seat
Comanche Trail Amphitheater. The 400-acre park offers swimming pool, 18 hole golf course,
tennis courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, pavilions, and hike, bike and nature trails.
On south edge of city; access from U.S. 87 and from F.M. 700. Heritage Museum-Pioneer and
Indian artifacts, artexhibits, and displays of local history and early West Texas. Houses
the world's largest collection of Texas Longhorn steer horns. Unique to the Southwest is
the exhibit of 46 rare and unusual phonographs; late 1800's to 1920's models made by
Edison, Victor Columbia, and others. Open Tues.-Fri. 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m. At 510
Scurry. Admission.
Lakes-
E. V. Spence, J. B. Thomas, Moss Creek, Colorado City.
The Potton House Museum is a beautiful example of English and West
Texas architecture. It was built by Mr. Potton, a native of England, in 1901 when he was
an engineer for the Texas & Pacific Railroad.
Photo courtesy of Doyle Phillips author of A Howard County,
Texas Picture Album. |
Potton House- Restored Victorian home of Joseph Potton family, circa 1901; listed in
National Register of Historic Places; excellent showplace for turn-of-the-century
furnishings. Open Tues.-Sat. 1-5p.m. or by appointment with Heritage Museum. Second St.
and Gregg. |
Vietnam Memorial-
Recognizes men and women who served the U.S. in Southeast Asia.
Stone is same type used at National Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. Accessible from
F.M. 700. |
