things to see and do in Texas

If Abandoned Texas Could Talk

Posted by diannbayes on

As not only a blogger but an amateur photographer, I enjoy traveling the back roads of Texas and shooting photos of abandoned things. I always wonder about the story behind a once lived-in home, a deserted, rusted-out vehicle, or any number of objects in which the only life these abandoned items can show are the weeds and grasses growing on, through, and around them.

With more than 50,000 photos in my inventory, I decided to share some of my favorites. Honestly, it’s been so long since I took some of these that I don’t remember the exact location where many were taken, so I’ll only label the ones I recall. Even without the locations, the mystery around them is worth sharing to me. If you recognize any of them, feel free to let me know in your comments.

While some places I don’t remember, I saw this light green house many times south of Austin near the tiny town of Creedmoor. I’m not sure why it fascinated me, other than wondering what happened to the people who lived there when Greater Austin started building up around the area. It was crumbling around 2015, so I’m guessing it doesn’t even exist anymore aside from in photographs like this one. What was the story? Why light green?
Somewhere between Austin and San Angelo exists this graveyard full of old vehicles.
On a rural, east Texas road – a rusted truck carrying an even more rustic tractor.
Old firetruck in Rowena.
Rusted truck in Bastrop.
It always seems odd to me when I come across rusted-out vehicles, and it happens often. A majority of them are usually in the middle of nowhere in the country. When I took the photo of the Bastrop truck, it was being used decoratively by a business in town so there are exceptions to finding them all in the middle of nowhere.

The Rowena firetruck seems to serve as a welcome sign to visitors. A little claim to fame about the town you might not know is Bonnie Parker, of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo, was actually born there. Another claim to fame for Rowena is Lowake Steak House, celebrating 70 years in business this year by continuing to serve delicious steaks to west central Texas and those passing through.
Bicycles along a fence line in the Village of Salado
Bicycle Tree on Hancock Hill in Alpine
I have to say, I do love the use of rusted bicycles for various reasons. In the Village of Salado, an artsy little town between Austin and Waco, you’ll find the bicycle fence. It’s definitely something to see while walking around this cute community.

From the top of Hancock Hill, located behind Sul Ross State University in Alpine, if you hike to the top of the hill, you’ll eventually come across the bicycle tree on your way to the desk. The desk is a story for another day.
Terlingua
Galveston
I’ve visited Terlingua and Galveston many times and never really saw a connection until my perimeter tour around Texas, which is why I started this blog almost a year ago. The ship and submarine in Terlingua just seemed a bit eccentric, but so does most of Terlingua, which is why I love it. When I took the ferry from Bolivar to Galveston last year, I noticed a view of the Galveston Naval Museum I’d not seen before. While this may be totally coincidental, I see a visual connection between the two communities, especially in the photos. Anybody know the story of the ship and submarine in Terlingua or if there is one? Inquiring minds want to know.
Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Abandoned West Texas home in the shade
Abandoned adobe somewhere in the Big Bend Region
Abandoned adobe near Terlingua
Ford’s Corner near San Augustine
All of the above photos of abandoned places are beautiful to me. However, unlike the other four, I found a little bit of folklore about the Ford’s Corner gas station. The rumors exist that this location served as a staging area for the lawmen after Bonnie and Clyde. You remember Bonnie. I mentioned she was from Rowena in west central Texas. I really want to believe the story is true as it adds even more to the outlaw tale.
No story about rural and abandoned places would be complete in Texas without mentioning the Bluebonnet House on Highway 281 near Marble Falls. Built in the mid-19th Century, this house is magical, especially during bluebonnet season. I’ve also seen it surrounded by yellow flowers, too, but the Texas state flower seems to be the best fit for this beautiful place. I’m not sure if the house is still standing today. I certainly hope so, as I have no doubt many an amateur and professional photographer, who haven’t already captured it, would love to have their own images of this grand old, abandoned home.

This quick trip around rural and abandoned Texas through my photography is barely a drop in the bucket.

Is there an abandoned place you really love that I need to see before it’s gone forever? Please share it. You never know when adventure will strike and a new road trip around the great state of Texas will occur.

Until next time from Texas … safe travels!

Published by diannbayes

I’m Diann. Founder and #1 Quester at How Big Is Texas. I'm a granfluencer, storyteller, blogger, podcaster, photographer, and Native Texan exploring the highways and byways of the Lone Star State.

2 Comments Add yours

  1. Mary Garrity says:
    March 5, 2024 at 7:40 pm

    Yall need to re visit Rowena and check out the fillin station.Greatest little eating and drinking place gone up in awhile!

    Reply
    1. diannbayes says:
      March 5, 2024 at 8:15 pm

      Thanks for the tip.

      Reply

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