Some places hold history in their walls, others in their land. The Presbyterian Encampment has been a place of faith, fellowship, and renewal for over a century.

Established in 1921, this encampment was a retreat for religious gatherings, youth camps, and Bible studies. At a time when travel was difficult and church services were scattered across small settlements, a site like this offered a rare opportunity for worship and connection. Families camped out for days, enjoying sermons, music, and shared meals under the Texas sky.

But this land’s spiritual significance predates the encampment. In 1906, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was built here, serving as a hub for early settlers.

This church stood where the current dining hall is located. Although it was moved to a local ranch in 1961, two remnants remain—a bell in the belfry near the dining hall and the original cornerstone, which can still be seen today.

By 1889, as Buffalo Gap grew, the school here became so large that it required a two-story dormitory to house 100 female students. The dormitory was built on what is now the caretaker’s home. Unfortunately, not long after its construction, a devastating fire destroyed the building.

In its early years, encampment life was simple and rustic. Campers slept in tents, braving the hot Texas summers and chilly nights.

In 1945, surplus army barracks from Camp Barkeley were brought in and repurposed as cabins, providing more structure to the site. These remained in use until 1968, when cement block cabins were built.

Fun Fact: The original pool was dug and cemented in 1925. A newer version replaced it in 1984, but one thing has remained the same—the water is ice cold, even in the peak of August!

The pavilion next to the pool, originally built in 1925, served as the dining hall and meeting space until 1968, when the current dining hall was constructed.

Though the encampment has changed over time, its mission remains the same—bringing people together in faith, community, and tradition. Whether for worship services, festivals, or community gatherings, this hidden gem in Buffalo Gap continues to be a special place for all who visit.

Faith has always been a part of Buffalo Gap’s story, and this land carries that legacy.

Now, let’s take a few steps over to a unique part of the encampment—the Canary House, which holds a fascinating history of early childhood education.