San Angelo Named 'Top True Western Town' by True West Magazine

SAN ANGELO, TX — U.S. Army Colonel Ranald Mackenzie ended the bloody Red River Indian War with a decisive victory in 1874 at Palo Duro Canyon, while operating out of San Angelo. This is one example of a place filled with history and celebrated through museums, historic buildings and festivals.

That is why San Angelo is #1 among True West Magazine’s 2020 Top Western Towns. They will be featured in the February-March 2020 issue, hitting newsstands on February 18, 2020.

The story of Palo Duro—and others—is told at the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark. It offers exhibits, artifacts and tours of 23 original and restored structures.

Then there is the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, the inaugural rodeo was held in 1932 and dedicated to promoting the agricultural way of life. Today, the annual event draws 200,000 spectators and rodeo fans over three weeks. You can walk the “stairway to heaven” to the second floor above Legend Jewelers to Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum. Or, watch craftsmen work in the window of bootmaker M.L. Leddy’s. There is also the Santa Fe Depot and Railway Museum.

WATCH: Videographer and Public Affairs Officer for the City of San Angelo, Brian Groves, and his staff released this video:

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The fiberglass sheep adorning the sidewalks may seem a bit out of place, but they honor San Angelo’s status as a major wool producer. Downtown’s best feature might be its 13 large murals. They depict historical scenes such as a rumbling stagecoach. One commemorates the late-great Western writer Elmer Kelton, a San Angelo resident.

“San Angelo, which located away from most big cities, is a great example of the living Old West,” says True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “But it’s more than just a place from the past. The local folks have done a great job in recent years of presenting the town to the world, not only in buildings but in events. There’s no question: San Angelo is the Top True Western Town.”

“Each of the cities named have a wonderful history, so the competition was stiff. We are thrilled to share this with the founders who came before us and with those who continue to embrace our rich western heritage. We are also honored to represent the Lone Star State as the only Texas city on the list,” said San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter.

In 2019, San Angelo was named to the Top 10 list as the #2 True Western Town behind Tombstone, Arizona. 

This is the 15th year True West has presented this annual award. Editors base their selection on criteria demonstrating how each town has preserved its history through old buildings, museums and other institutions, events, and promotions of historic resources. True West magazine is in its 68th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit TWMag.com or call 888-687-1881.