Buildings by the Front Gate
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The Buffalo Gap Mercantile / Texas History Store
Our Mercantile started out in 1910 as the baggage depot for the Texas Pacific
Railroad at Clyde. Now it is used as the Texas History Store where a fine selection of replica Texas history items and books
may be purchased, many at special prices, as well as gifts relating to
the Historic Village. Soft drinks and water may also be purchased in the
Mercantile.
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The Old Ovalo Store
Built in the 1890's as a general store in Ovalo, Texas. Now it is part
of the Texas History Store at the Buffalo Gap Historic Village. |
The Nazarene Church
Buffalo Gap’s “Sweet Church” was built in 1906 and was located about nine
blocks from here. The original congregation was formed in 1898 as part
of the Holiness Movement that swept the South at the end of the century,
and was home to the ministry of Mary Lee Cagle. It is one of the first Nazarene Churches in Texas. This building is available
for modern weddings. |
Buildings on the Main Grounds – 1880 Area
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During these years, the West Texas frontier was tamed by railroad lines
and permanent settlements. Cattle ranchers replaced Indians and buffalo
hunters.
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 First Taylor County Courthouse and Jail
Construction of this structure started in 1879 and was finished the following
year. Made of native stone, this served as the Taylor County Courthouse
until county seat was moved to Abilene in 1883. The bottom floor contained
County Clerk, Sheriff, and Judge's office as well as the courtroom. The
upper floor contained cell for hostile prisoners and a larger "run
about" for general prisoners. Currently houses a large Indian artifact
and gun collection.
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Marshall Tom Hill House
Built in 1881, this was the home of Abilene's first marshal. The house
was built the same year Abilene was founded and remained in the Hill family
until 1960. It is the only remaining structure of box construction left
in Taylor County. It contains some unique period furnishings such as a
Western Cottage Organ.
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Knight / Sayles Cabin
J.M. Knight, a former buffalo hunter, built this cabin in 1875 for his
family. Six of the family's thirteen children were raised here, though
it was originally located six miles to the west. The cabin is an excellent
example of a “single pen cabin” typical across the American South. The
wood is native cedar. |
