Imagine standing here in 1881, hearing the chatter of young students eager to learn. This was the site of Presbyterian College, a beacon of education in the rugged Texas frontier.

Higher education was a rarity in this region at the time, and Buffalo Gap became a center for learning, earning the nickname “Athens of the West.”

Students studied Latin, mathematics, philosophy, and agriculture, preparing them for leadership roles in Texas communities. Some traveled great distances to attend, as this was the only higher learning institution for miles.

Presbyterian College, also known as Buffalo Gap College, first began as a public high school in the early 1880s. By 1883, it had grown into the first school of higher education in the county.

Local Presbyterian ministers, backed by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, led the charge to establish the school, securing a 20-year charter despite the challenges of drought and economic hardship.

Fun Fact: Even cowboys and Texas Rangers helped fund the college’s construction, hauling red sandstone from a local quarry to build its walls!

The two-story administration building stood three blocks south of the town square, covering two blocks of campus and enclosed by a wooden fence with stiles on each side.

The building, resembling a large church, featured a steeple, a bell tower, and arched windows. Inside, the lower floor housed classrooms, a physics lab, and a library, while the upper floor served as an auditorium, doubling as a community hub for Sunday school, town meetings, and performances.

By 1889, the school had expanded so much that a two-story dormitory was built to house 100 female students, many of whom previously boarded in private homes. However, tragedy struck when fire destroyed the dormitory, marking the beginning of the college’s decline.

When the county seat moved to Abilene in 1883, Buffalo Gap’s influence—and the college’s student enrollment—began to dwindle. By 1902, just as its 20-year charter expired, Presbyterian College closed its doors for good.

Yet, its legacy remains. When a public school was later built on this site, sandstone from the original college building was repurposed in its construction.

Though not visible from the outside, a section of the original sandstone wall is still part of Buffalo Gap Elementary’s gymnasium today.

As you pass by this school, think about the students who once learned here—some in college classrooms, others in early grade levels—all shaping the future of this region.

Now, let’s explore another key piece of Buffalo Gap’s past: Stewart Grocery, a staple in early commerce.

What makes a town feel like home? For over 100 years, families gathered right here for the Old Settlers’ Reunion, a time-honored tradition of food, music, and friendship.

The event first began in 1921, when early settlers and their families returned to Buffalo Gap to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate their pioneer roots. This was more than just a reunion—it was a living history lesson, where old-timers passed down tales of the frontier to younger generations.

Over the years, the reunion grew into a festival-like event, featuring barbecue cook-offs, bluegrass music, and lively parades.

If you listen closely, you might just hear the echoes of a fiddle tune drifting through the air. Contests like “oldest settler in attendance” and “best pioneer outfit” became traditions, making each gathering a mix of nostalgia and fun.

Although the Old Settlers’ Reunion no longer takes place, this site continues to be a hub for annual events, heritage gatherings, and community celebrations.

The spirit of the reunion lives on, as families still come together here—just as they have for over a century.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some early reunion attendees arrived in covered wagons just as they had decades before?

Even in later years, it wasn’t uncommon to see folks dressed in authentic pioneer clothing, stepping straight out of the past!

Imagine the laughter of children running through these fields, the sound of a fiddle playing in the background, and the scent of a barbecue pit smoking nearby. The legacy of gathering continues.

Now, let’s visit a place that once stood as a center of education—the Presbyterian College.

Welcome to the historic heart of Buffalo Gap. In the late 1800s, these streets were lined with bustling businesses, general stores, saloons, and even a few places of… questionable legality.

By 1874, Buffalo Gap was the county seat of Taylor County, meaning all official business took place here. Merchants, attorneys, and settlers made this a thriving trade hub.

But with that success came a fair share of trouble—there was no official law enforcement at first, and justice was often handled with a quick draw and a quicker temper.

In 1883, Buffalo Gap’s reign as county seat came to an end when Abilene—backed by the railroad—won the title. Overnight, businesses, officials, and records moved out. Many buildings here faded, but Buffalo Gap remained a stronghold of history.

Today, some of the original buildings have disappeared, but traces of the town’s wild frontier days remain.

Take a moment to imagine the lively voices, the sound of horses clopping on dirt roads, and the occasional gunshot in the air.

Now, let’s travel to a different kind of gathering place—where traditions still thrive—the Old Settlers’ Reunion Grounds.

Grocery stores today are places of quick stops and long lines, but Stewart Grocery, now run by Micket Stewart, 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 ice cold 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.

Outro: 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.

Welcome to Camp Barkeley, where the sounds of marching boots and roaring military vehicles once filled the air. This camp played a crucial role in training thousands of soldiers during World War II, preparing them for battle in Europe and the Pacific.

Camp Barkeley, named after Private David B. Barkley, was one of the largest military training facilities in the United States during World War II. Spanning 77,000 acres—roughly the size of modern-day Washington, D.C.—this was no small camp. It was a city in itself. Imagine barracks lined row after row, mess halls feeding thousands, and chapels filled with soldiers praying before deployment.

The camp housed an extensive medical training center, producing more than 12,500 officers for military hospitals worldwide. It also held a German prisoner-of-war camp, and though most POWs worked without incident, a few daring escape attempts rattled the locals.

And here’s a little-known fact: The camp was named after Private David B. Barkley, a World War I hero. But someone made a spelling error when naming it—adding an extra “e” to his last name—and it stuck!

Today, the land has returned to nature, but its impact remains. Without Camp Barkeley, Abilene’s Dyess Air Force Base may never have existed.

As you leave this spot, imagine the sound of boots on the ground, the distant echoes of military drills.

Now, let’s step back even further to the days when Buffalo Gap was a booming frontier town.