Stewart Grocery Audio Tour
Buffalo Gap Heritage Audio Tour
Stewart Grocery
Location
701 Vine St
Buffalo Gap, TX 79508
Transcription
Grocery stores today are places of quick stops and long lines, but Stewart Grocery has always been more than that—it’s been a pillar of Buffalo Gap’s small-town charm.
In 1961, Stewart Grocery opened as more than just a place to buy goods—it was a place where neighbors met, families gathered, and folks supported each other through hard times. But the story begins even earlier. Before it became Stewart Grocery, the round part of the building was originally a filling station, built by Sam Bates. When Mickey’s Paw Paw, a Navy veteran from World War II, returned home, he saw an opportunity and bought the store in 1946, expanding it into what became Stewart Grocery.
Unlike today’s big-box supermarkets, Stewart Grocery ran on trust and community loyalty. Families who needed food but hadn’t been paid yet could put their names on the ledger, and when payday came, they’d settle up—no questions asked. This wasn’t just business; it was neighbors helping neighbors.
Today, Stewart Grocery is one of the longest-standing businesses in Buffalo Gap. While it still sells essential goods, it’s best known for its cold glass-bottled Dublin Dr. Pepper, a drink that has kept Texans refreshed for generations. Walking inside, you can still feel that same old-fashioned spirit, where locals stop to chat and visitors get a taste of the past.
Stewart Grocery remains a piece of Buffalo Gap’s history, standing strong through changing times. While you’re here – step inside and take a moment to appreciate the store’s legacy. Now, let’s head over to the Presbyterian Encampment, a site of faith and community gatherings.
Camp Barkeley Audio Tour
Buffalo Gap Heritage Audio Tour
Camp Barkeley
Location
Buffalo Gap Hardware Store
Transcription
Welcome to Camp Barkeley, a place that once echoed with the sounds of marching soldiers and rumbling military vehicles. This camp was an important training ground for thousands of troops heading to fight in Europe and the Pacific during World War II.
Named after Private David B. Barkley, Camp Barkeley was one of the largest military training sites in the U.S. at the time. It covered 77,000 acres—about the same size as Washington, D.C. It wasn’t just a camp; it was like a small city. Rows of barracks housed soldiers, massive dining halls fed thousands, and chapels were filled with prayers before deployment. The camp also had a large medical training center, preparing over 12,500 officers for military hospitals worldwide. In addition, it held a German prisoner-of-war camp, and while most POWs worked without trouble, a few tried to escape, causing a stir in town.
Here’s a fun fact: The camp was named after Private David B. Barkley, a World War I hero, but someone accidentally added an extra “e” to his last name—and the mistake stuck!
Today, nature has reclaimed the land, but Camp Barkeley’s impact lives on. Without it, Abilene’s Dyess Air Force Base might never have been built.
As you leave, picture the marching soldiers and the distant sounds of military drills. Now, let’s go even further back in time to when Buffalo Gap was a thriving frontier town.
Taylor County Commissioner's Court
Taylor County Commissioner's Court
DATE
March 18, 2025
9:00 am
DETAILS
Experience local government in action inside the original Taylor County Courthouse at Buffalo Gap Historic Village! The Taylor County Commissioner’s Court is convening in this historic setting, offering a rare chance to see modern governance unfold in the very place where early county leaders shaped the region’s future.
This session’s agenda will cover a few county topics that impact our area. Whether you’re passionate about local policy or just curious about how decisions are made, attending a Commissioner’s Court session is a great way to engage with the leaders working to keep Taylor County thriving.
Never attended a session before? Now’s the perfect time! Step into the past while witnessing the present as our county officials carry out their duties in one of Texas’ most historic courthouses. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of history in the making—join us for an engaging and insightful meeting!
WHERE
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
Courthouse
133 William St
Buffalo Gap, TX 79508
Bison Keeper Chat - Conservation in Action
Bison Keeper Chat - Conservation in Action
DATE
March 20, 2025
10:00 am
DETAILS
As part of Buffalo Week, an Abilene Zoo zookeeper is heading to the Buffalo Gap Historic Village to share an inside look at bison conservation! Learn about the history, care, and preservation of these iconic animals, from their millions-strong herds across the Great Plains to their near-extinction in the 1800s—and the efforts to bring them back today.
Discover fascinating facts about bison behavior, diet, and their crucial role in ecosystems, straight from the experts who care for them. Then, be sure to visit the Abilene Zoo to meet Uno, the zoo’s newest bison resident, and see conservation in action!
WHERE
Buffalo Gap Historic Village Outdoor Tent
133 William St
Buffalo Gap, TX 79508
Bison Keeper Chat - Conservation in Action
Bison Keeper Chat - Conservation in Action
DATE
March 19, 2025
10:30 am
DETAILS
Step into the world of bison conservation at the Abilene Zoo’s Bison Keeper Chat, part of Buffalo Week! Join our expert zookeeper as he shares insights into the history, care, and preservation of these iconic animals. Learn how bison once roamed the Great Plains by the millions, their near-extinction in the 1800s, and ongoing efforts to restore their populations today.
Get an up-close look at Uno, the zoo’s newest bison resident, and discover his role in conservation efforts. From their diet and behaviors to their impact on ecosystems, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Texas’ largest land mammal.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with a living symbol of the American West—visit the Abilene Zoo and experience bison conservation in action!
WHERE
Abilene Zoo
2070 Zoo Ln
Abilene, TX 79602
Bison Keeper Chat - Conservation in Action
Bison Keeper Chat - Conservation in Action
DATE
March 18, 2025
10:30 am
DETAILS
Step into the world of bison conservation at the Abilene Zoo’s Bison Keeper Chat, part of Buffalo Week! Join our expert zookeeper as he shares insights into the history, care, and preservation of these iconic animals. Learn how bison once roamed the Great Plains by the millions, their near-extinction in the 1800s, and ongoing efforts to restore their populations today.
Get an up-close look at Uno, the zoo’s newest bison resident, and discover his role in conservation efforts. From their diet and behaviors to their impact on ecosystems, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Texas’ largest land mammal.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with a living symbol of the American West—visit the Abilene Zoo and experience bison conservation in action!
WHERE
Abilene Zoo
2070 Zoo Ln
Abilene, TX 79602
Wings Over West Texas: A Salute to Western Heritage
Wings Over West Texas: A Salute to Western Heritage
DATE
April 19-20, 2025
All Day
DETAILS
Take a short drive down the road to Dyess Air Force Base this Easter weekend, April 19-20, 2025, for an unforgettable experience at the “Wings Over West Texas” airshow. This year’s event celebrates aviation excellence alongside the rich cultural history of the American West. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the show with their breathtaking aerobatic displays and precision flying. In addition to the Thunderbirds, attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of military and civilian aircraft performances. The event is free and open to the public. For more details and preferred seating options, visit the Dyess Force Support Squadron’s website below.
WHERE
Dyess Air Force Base
Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit (Ticketed)
Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit (Ticketed)
DATE
April 11, 2025
DETAILS
Indulge in a celebration of fine wine, exceptional cuisine, and Texas hospitality at the Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit. This premier event brings together renowned chefs, top winemakers, and food enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Buffalo Gap.
Enjoy expertly curated wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and engaging culinary discussions, all set against the backdrop of West Texas charm. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply love great food and wine, this event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sip, savor, and celebrate.
Tickets are required, so be sure to secure your spot for this exclusive culinary experience!
MORE INFO TO COME
WHERE
Perini Ranch
3002 FM 89
Buffalo Gap, TX 79508
Big Country CattleWomen’s Beef Ambassadors & Show Steers
Big Country CattleWomen’s Beef Ambassadors & Show Steers
DATE
April 5, 2025
10:00am - 5:00pm
DETAILS
Join the Big Country CattleWomen and their Beef Ambassadors for an interactive and educational experience celebrating all things beef and ranching! Get an up-close look at show steers, learn about different cuts of beef and the many byproducts of cattle, and hear firsthand from passionate advocates in the beef industry.
The Big Country CattleWomen, a chapter of Texas CattleWomen, are dedicated to educating the community about the importance of beef, ranching, and agriculture. Whether you’re a rancher, a beef lover, or just curious to learn more, this event offers a fun and engaging opportunity for all ages to connect with the ranching lifestyle.
Come meet the Beef Ambassadors, see the steers, and discover why beef is more than just what’s on your plate—it’s a way of life!
WHERE
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 William St.
Buffalo Gap, TX 79508
325-572-3365
Cattle, Drovers, and Stock Traders: A Look at Early Western Markets with Dr. Debbie Liles
Cattle, Drovers, and Stock Traders: A Look at Early Western Markets with Dr. Debbie Liles
DATE
March, 29, 2025
11:00 am
DETAILS
The discovery of gold in California sparked a booming demand for cattle, and Texas drovers were quick to answer the call. In the 1850s, stock traders drove millions of dollars’ worth of Texas cattle westward, navigating the challenges of natural resources, rugged terrain, and Indigenous territories along the way.
Join Dr. Deborah Liles, an expert in Texas agricultural and ranching history, as she explores the rise of these early cattle markets, their impact on Central Texas counties before and during the Civil War, and the legacy of legendary stock traders like Oliver Loving. From supplying the Bosque Redondo Reservation to the hardships faced on the trail, this presentation provides a compelling look at the cattle industry’s early expansion and its lasting impact on the West.
WHERE
Buffalo Gap Historic Village Courthouse
133 William St.
Buffalo Gap, TX 79508
