One could say big dreams (and big oil) shaped Big Spring. Located in center of west Texas ranching lands, Big Spring never lacked for visionaries looking to strike it rich. In the 1920s, one such man struck oil, sparking a 10 year boom. Prosperity and growth of the time can be seen at the beautifully restored Hotel Settles. City development slowed in the late 1930s, but the country’s entry into World War II brought the U.S. Army Air Force to town opening Big Spring Army Airfield as a bombardier training school that eventually graduated over 5,000 bombardiers. It was reactivated in 1951 as Webb Air Force base in response to the Korean War and deactivated after the Vietnam War. Today the Hangar 25 Air Museum at Big Spring Airpark keeps these aviation stories an interactive experience for visitors. Get hands-on with the oil heritage and Alon history at the Heritage Museum. Enjoy outdoor recreation at Big Spring State Park and Comanche Trail Park, stopping at Depression era pavilions and amphitheaters.
Municipal Auditorium and City Hall
310 E. 3rd St.
Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash – in Big Spring, you just may have gone to their concerts before they hit the big time. The municipal auditorium and city hall, built in 1932, is an integral part of community life, whether you’re attending a city council meeting or a symphony concert.
More Locations in Big Spring
Auto Dealership/Gas Station
424 E. 3rd Street
The Shroyer Motor Company has been selling General Motors brand vehicles at this location since 1931. At that time, the corner of the building also served as a Gulf gas station. During the 1930s, dealerships were often built in the heart of downtown, and in the case of Shroyer’s, their motto, “The place of almost perfect service” remains front and center as you enter.
Auto Parts Store
415 E. 3rd St.
Growing automobile travel caused businesses like this auto-parts store to pop up along the Bankhead. Inside this Moderne Style marvel you could get tires, oil, or just about any part you needed to fix your car up and head out on the road.
Snappy Service Station
213 E. 3rd St. (private property)
Nestled downtown among stores and auto part shops, this old gas station built along the Bankhead was a bustling hub of activity beginning in the 1930s.
Hotel Settles
200 E. 3rd St.
Your eyes are not playing tricks on you when you first set sight on Big Spring's skyscraper Hotel Settles. Built in 1930 by rancher and oil man W. R. Settles, the hotel stood proud as the tallest building between Fort Worth and El Paso. Designed by Abilene architect David Castle, the Art Deco beauty played host to galas, bands, and even Elvis Presley. Treat yourself and get lost in another era in one of the beautifully restored hotel opportunities along the historic Bankhead Highway. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Auto Sales Dealership
215 W. 3rd St.
No big, boring box of a car dealership, this a beautiful 1920s Classical Revival-style building was a former dealership in the heart of downtown Big Spring. Buyers must have felt like royalty rolling out of this showroom in a shiny new model.
Auto Sales Dealership
209 W. 4th St.
It’s the 1920s and you are in the market for a Studebaker! Leave this high-style showroom in behind–the-wheel style as you begin your paved adventures across the state.