West of the Pecos Museum is one of the biggest and best heritage museums in the state. Community members have been voluntarily putting this museum together since 1963. In 2003 the museum will celebrate 4 decades of existence. The Museum has evolved as a social hub for the community. Meetings, receptions, reunions, weddings, book reviews, fiestsa, workshops, parties and museum fund raisers take place at the museum.

In 1896, R. S. Johnson, a former Texas Ranger, built a two-story red sandstone building with a saloon on the first floor and bedrooms above. In 1904, Mr. Johnson added the three-story Orient Hotel. A hand-operated molding machine produced crude, but durable concrete blocks with which this building was constructed. The building was used as a hotel until the mid-fifties.

In 1963 a museum committee of the Chamber of Commerce purchased the buildings. Though sound structurally, the buildings needed a great amount of renovation and repair. Preparing it for a museum became a community project. The lobby and the old "Number 11" Saloon, were recreated in a turn-of-the-century setting.

The Texas State Historical Survey Committee awarded an official historical building medallion in 1963. In 1965, a descriptive plate was added by the Reeves County Historical Survey Committee. The building now belongs to the West of the Pecos Museum, Inc. It is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most complete historical museums of present day.

In 1994-95 a major restoration of $500,000 was completed. The third floor was restored expanding the museum area. A total of 50 rooms of exhibits of western history await the museum visitor.

The West of the Pecos Museum is an educational, historical, cultural and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.