Vandals leveled four stone 125-year-old landmarks in Terlingua, Texas in the early morning hours of February 19, 2017. Workers who left late shifts at the nearby Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Bar didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, then upon returning the next morning found the structures had been knocked down.
The landmarks were standing on February 18, 2017.
Photo: Flickr/ Lief and Evonne
The ruins were of the homes of quicksilver miners and were built in the late 1880’s. According to resident Sharron Reed Gavin, they were located on “private property and a designated historic site, so it is a criminal act”.
Visitors to the ghost town immediately noticed the ruins had been leveled.
Photo: Facebook/Sharron Reed Gavin
The structures help draw in tourism to the ghost town, which keeps dozens of local businesses open. Terlingua is located outside of Big Bend National Park and is known for its chili cook-off competition and dark skies.The remote town has become a favorite for adventurers, with lodging in the area sometimes being fully booked months in advance.
Contact the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office if you noticed something suspicious.
Photo: Jason Weingart
If you were in the area during this time and noticed anything suspicious, you are urged to contact the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office at (432) 837-3488. There is a $1,000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest and capture of those responsible.
Up close view of the damage left by vandals.
Photo: Facebook/Voni Glaves
