Alpine Texas: Elevation 4,481 feet, population approximated 6500. Established in 1888 by virtue of available water, it became a railroad stop on the east west Southern Pacific line and a cattle trail crossing from Mexico to the northern plains of the Texas panhandle. The vast open Chihuahuan desert that surrounded it had been home to pioneers, Indians, Mexican and American armies, then ranchers and immigrants, and finally a unique breed of mountain desert dwellers including homeland security professionals, retirees and hippies.
The town retained its youth through the accredited Sul Ross University which towered over the town on the northeast. The night life was lively. Book rooms, music festivals and art galleries kept things current and cultural. Considered a “border” town, even though
