REVITALIZATION PLAN
Sanderson Depot: The original heart of Sanderson, the depot is located on historic Downie Street. The Great American Station Foundation recently designated the Sanderson Depot as one of the ten most endangered stations in America. Terrell County received a $500,000 Transportation Enhancement Grant in 2001 for renovation of the Depot to showcase the importance of railroading and ranching. Unfortunately, with a change in County administration, and fear of costs, the Grant was rejected.
Loss of the Grant was a major disappointment, but it inspired proponents of local and state historic preservation to seek private support for the Depot. A new group was formed in support of saving the few remaining historic buildings in Sanderson. Efforts of The Sanderson Heritage Association resulted in the Sanderson Depot being named to the state's "10 Most Endangered Historic Places" list in February 2005.If you are interested in joining or supporting this group, please email Cliff McSparran at: cactuscapital@yahoo.com
Railroad Bunkhouse: Constructed prior to 1900, the bunkhouse is one of the oldest buildings in Sanderson. Assessed in 2001 as being sound and worth remodeling, the Bunkhouse is part of the land to be acquired from Union Pacific Railroad and made a part of the Downie Street Revitalization Project.
Terrell County Parks Program: Terrell County envisions an ambitious park program which will serve both residents and visitors. Local citizens passed a Venue Sales Tax in November 2000 which together with anticipated grant assistance from Texas Parks & Wildlife will fund park improvements and expansion. BiCentennial Park (near the Courthouse) installed new play-ground equipment in 2001. A successful Grant application to Texas Parks & Wildlife includes funding for a pavilion and major swimming pool rehabilitation. The TP&W grant also provides for nature trails around Javelina Hill, around the north side of the existing Track Field, around Hominy Hill, and down to BiCentennial Park.
Plans for the existing Memorial Park include a commemorative to the 26 people who lost their lives in the 1965 flood and a cactus garden with walkways and picnic facilities. Memorial Park (on railroad land) is owned by Union Pacific Railroad, but is slated to be acquired by Terrell County and to be included in the Downie Street revitalization plan.
New public land for parks include a small strip along Highway 90 east to be known as Eastgate Park and a 24-acre tract at the corner of Wilson Street and Highway 90 to be known as Javelina Hill Park. Eastgate Park is designated as a place for signage and a cactus garden worthy of our claim to be the Cactus Capital of Texas. It is primarily for viewing and photo opportunities for visitors. Javelina Hill Park, the most ambitious of the parkland plans, will include walking trails to the top where a shaded rest pavilion will afford a panoramic view.Terrell County Memorial Museum: Housed in a structure given to Terrell County by the pioneer Lemons family, museum displays feature railroad memorabilia, period costumes, cowboy and ranching relics, tools and pioneer furnishings, and mementos of Terrell County History. The Terrell County history book, now in its third printing, was originally published in 1978. The 747-page book, "Terrell County - Its Past Its People" makes a great gift and is a "must have" for newcomers and anyone seriously interested in anecdotal local history. Copies can be purchased at the Museum, Visitor Center, and the Courthouse. The Museum is operated by the Terrell County Historical Commission. Hours are Monday to Friday, 1pm to 5pm. (432) 345-2936.
Terrell County Visitor Center: Established in 1995, the Visitor Center serves thousands of travelers seeking information about Sanderson, Terrell County and the Big Bend National Park and Wilderness Area. A Walking or Windshield Tour begins and ends at the Visitor Center. The route includes the Court House Block, and sites of surviving architectural heritage of adobe and stucco buildings. Open daily from 10am to 2pm. (432) 345-2324.
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