LASR.net Homepage




Menu

Located five miles south of town on the Post Road lies what remains of old Fort Pena Colorado, built in 1879 to protect area residents from Indian raids.

Around the time that Apache leader Victorio led his band in an escape from the San Carlos, Arizona, Reservation, a military outpost was established next to the prolific spring at Pena Colorado, or Red Bluffs. This not only eliminated access to an important water hole for rebellious Apaches, it also protected the road from Ft. Clark to Ft. Davis, and was easy to support from Fort Stockton, 50 miles to the north. Of even more importance, it lay near the projected route of the Southern Pacific railroad. Abandoned in 1893, some of the foundations of the original structures can still be found.

The town of Marathon grew up around the railroad and what is now referred to as "The Post". Although the army left soon after the defeat of the last wild Apaches, the location remains one of the most delightful habitats in the region. "The Post" is maintained as a county Park and has a spring fed water hole, surrounded by shade trees. This is a favorite place for native and migratory birds of all descriptions, a "must see" location for birders, and a great place for a picnic lunch.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The Post

Located five miles south of town on the Post Road lies what remains of old Fort Pena Colorado, built in 1879 to protect area residents from Indian raids.

Marathon, TX Historic Forts

Great Marathon Basin

The Great Marathon Basin is a widely known geologic area noted for extensive surface outcroppings of varied rocks and minerals, popular with professional geologists and amateur rockhounds. A 191.2

Marathon, TX Natural Attractions

Gage Hotel

Few other historic hotels offer a more unique experience of days gone by than The Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas. The restored West Texas hotel of the 1920

Marathon, TX Historic Hotels

Things to do near Marathon, TX

Ciudad Acuna

City across Rio Grande from Del Rio. Intriguing night spots, restaurants, fascinating shops offering decorative wrought iron,...

Border Patrol Museum

Presents the rich heritage of the U.S. Border Patrol. Equipment, documents, books, and memorabilia available to the casual vi...

Pyote Museum and Rattlesnake Bomber Base

Rattlesnake Bomber Base was the training base for thousands of B-17 and B-29 bombardment crews during World War II. After the...

Museum of the Southwest

The Museum of the Southwest is one of the country's most interactive and imaginative blends of art and science, and features ...

Big Bend Ranch State Park Canoeing

Spectacular Colorado Canyon in Big Bend Ranch State Park offers among the finest rafting and canoeing opportunities along the...