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The Terrell County Courthouse in Sanderson

Sanderson in its early days was a wild place frequented by gunmen and border bandits just as often as sheep ranchers and railroad men. Roy Bean briefly ran one of the saloons, but story has it that he found the town too rough and moved on to Vinegaroon (now Langtry), where he became known as the Law West of the Pecos.

Regardless of its unruly elements, the railroad and the ranches surrounding Sanderson had their civilizing influence, and by the 1920s Terrell County was one of the largest centers of sheep and wool production in the country. This prosperity left its legacy to Sanderson in the form of numerous elegant commercial and residential buildings. In 1999, the Texas Senate declared Sanderson the Cactus Capital of Texas, and several fine cactus gardens have been planted throughout town. 

FEATURED EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

Terrell County Memorial Museum
Today the former home of the pioneer Lemons family is home to displays of railroad memorabilia, period costumes, cowboy and ranching relics, tools, pioneer furnishings, and archives of Terrell County history.

Scenic Overlook
A trail up the hillside behind Sanderson offers an excellent view of the town and the canyon beyond. Ask for directions at the Visitor Center.

Big Bend Open Road Race
Rated among the most exciting open road races in the world, the 118 mile route follows Hwy 285 from Fort Stockton to Sanderson and back and draws racers from around the country each April. www.bborr.com

Buzzard Rally
An April weekend of motorcycling events under the big skies of far West Texas.

Prickly Pear Pachanga

View of Sanderson from Javelina Hill

Celebrating the title of Cactus Capital of Texas, the Pachanga (Spanish for “big party”) honors Sanderson’s spiny friends with music, craft and food booths, and contests for biggest and best cactus, cactus cooking, cactus photography, and more.

The Hike at Javelina Hill
The hike at Javelina Park stretches across 24 acres and overlooks historic Sanderson. A moderately challenging nature walk, the trail wraps around this small town nestled among crested buttes along Highway 90. Winding paths take you to 2900 feet, offering views of historic sites between Hominy Hill and the trail end at Bicentennial Park. www.sandersontx.info