Big Spring State Park (Texas)

Infobox_protected_area | name = Big Spring State Park
iucn_category =

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caption =
locator_x = 115
locator_y = 95
location = Howard County, Texas
nearest_city = Big Spring
lat_degrees = 32
lat_minutes = 13
lat_seconds = 56
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 101
long_minutes = 29
long_seconds = 26
long_direction = W
area = convert|381.99|acre|km2
established = 1936
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Big Spring State Park is a Texas state park in Big Spring, Howard County, Texas in the United States. It was opened in 1936 after the convert|381.99|acre|km2 upon which it is situated was deeded to the state by the city of Big Spring in 1934 and 1935. It is named for the natural spring once located on the site that was later replaced by an artificial one.

History

The first written record of the spring was made on October 3, 1849, in the journal of Captain R.B. Marcy of the U.S. Cavalry while on his return trip to Fort Smith, Arkansas, from Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Spanish are thought to have visited the area as early as 1768, while Comanches and other Native American groups likely frequented the region much earlier, probably attracted by the permanent water source. Carvings dated circa 1917 indicate that other visitors to the park area included cattle drivers and those travelling to new territories.

Shortly after the state of Texas acquired the land in 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps began construction on the park. Limestone quarried on-site was used in the building of the headquarters, pavilion, lodging, pump house and restroom. The limestone was also used in the building of retaining walls for a three-mile (5 km) drive that loops around Scenic Mountain. The walls were built using mortarless masonry techniques with large blocks of limestone, some weighing as much as two tons.

Facilities

Facilities at the park include eight developed tent sites with nearby water and two sites with water and electricity on-site. All campsites have on-site parking, a shelter over a picnic table and a grill. Other facilities include a lighted group pavilion, which can accommodate up to 50 people; restrooms with no showers and a Texas State Park store. Native American artifacts and fossils from the area are on display at a seasonal interpretive center, which is also located in the park.

Activities

Some of the recreational opportunities offered on the site include camping, hiking, mountain biking, nature study, jogging and star gazing.

ee also

*List of Texas state parks

External links

* [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_spring/ Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Big Spring State Park]
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