Stanton, Texas — Sunset Photo Tour

Located just twenty miles east of Midland, Stanton, Texas is a small-town hovering around 3,000 residents. The town dates back to 1881. If you’re looking for something different away from the congested oil cities of Midland and Odessa, Stanton is a great place to enjoy a slice of small-town life.

I lived in the small town from early childhood until I was thirteen and while these days I prefer tall trees and abundant lakes, the semi-arid area still has its own place in my heart. When I lived there, the town had a sign that states the home of 2,000 residents. I always wondered if they counted the rattlesnakes or something in that figure. However, with the oil boom hitting West Texas, the town has grown upwards of 3,000 and now sports two hotels on land that used to be wide-open cotton fields.

The ever-changing and beautiful sky of West Texas, however, stays the same. — The ever-changing and beautiful sky, however, stays the same.

After attending a family reunion in Big Spring (20-miles east of Stanton), we decided to take a detour back to Stanton. It was still 109°F at 8:00 p.m., so we did not spend much time getting out of the car. What’s interesting is that the weather isn’t new; we’ve just become declimatized by living up North for a while. However, the dry heat is more tolerable than 90°F with humidity. If you stand in the shade, it really isn’t that bad.

Here are eight places that you can stop at for something to do in Stanton. Just don’t do it too late at night; everything was pretty much closed except for the parks. Also, bring a hat or an umbrella to keep the sun off your head. Keep your head covered and the dry heat won’t bother you nearly as bad.

Shelbourne Park

408 W 5th St., Stanton, TX 79782

Every pee wee and little leager in town learned how to play baseball in this park. One of the team cages where we all sat, praying not to have to bat (or, was that just me?) — Every pee wee and little leaguer in town learned how to play baseball in this park. Here’s one of the team cages where we all sat, praying not to have to bat (or was that just me?)

Howard Jenkins Memorial Space Park

700 St Boniface St, Stanton, TX 79782

Carmelite Monastery (aka The Stanton Convent)

200 Carpenter St, Stanton, TX 79782

The Carmelite Monestary in Stanton was just called simply, The Convent, when I was growing up. It has been greatly renovated since that time. — The Carmelite Monastery in Stanton was just called simply “The Convent” when I was growing up. It has been greatly renovated since that time. (It also used to also be called things such as the Haunted House but paint jobs, a new roof, and other updates have rehabilitated some of that image).

Martin County Community Center

301 St Theresa St, Stanton, TX 79782

Martin County Historical Museum

207 Broadway St, Stanton, TX 79782

Martin County Courthouse / Old Jail

300 Saint Joseph St, Stanton, TX 79782

Old Jail at the Martin County Courthouse in Stanton. Directly in front of the jail, you can also see the gazebo with a silver dome of the 1908 courthouse — Old Jail at the Martin County Courthouse in Stanton. Directly in front of the jail, you can also see the gazebo with a silver dome from the 1908 courthouse.

Stanton Drug Store & Historic Downtown
201 N Saint Peter St, Stanton, TX 79782

Downtown Stanton, Texas. To the right is the old Stanton Drug and Old Fashioned Soda Fountain where you can view what an old-fashioned drug store should be. Note: go on a weekday because they are no longer open on weekends.

Tommy Walker Memorial Park

301 St Joseph St, Stanton, TX 79782

West Texas Sunset in Stanton, Texas. — I did not manage to get a picture of the last park but it also has an eating area, baseball cage, and other activities. I did, however, catch more of the sunset on the edge of Stanton.

Seasonal Activities in Stanton

Old Sorehead Trade Days gathers vendors from all over Texas and the Southwest three times a year. This event draws crowds of over 30,000 and shuts down the entire downtown area. The next trade day will be October 13-14, 2018.

Inside view of Stanton Trade Days. This photo dates back a few years, but it gives a good idea of how the downtown transforms three times a year. — Inside Stanton Trade Days. This photo dates back a few years, but it gives a good idea of how the downtown vista transforms three times a year.

During the summer months, the Old Settlers Reunion is also a fun activity. A downtown parade is followed by games, programs, and a dance at the community center.

Gas tip. If you need to get gas, get it in Midland or Big Spring. The prices in Stanton are around $0.20 more than the larger towns.

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