Visitor Center at Pecos National Historical Park

GENERAL INFORMATION

The E. E. Fogelson Visitor Center at Pecos National Historical Park is named after E. E. “Buddy” Fogelson, a wealthy oilman from Texas who purchased the Forked Lightning Ranch in 1941. He was married to Hollywood actress Greer Garson from 1949 until his death in 1987. They spent a great deal of time at the ranch during the summers entertaining and raising and breeding thoroughbred racehorses and cattle.

The Fogelsons were also big philanthropists who provided large donations to numerous schools and foundations, including the National Park Service. They donated 23.5 acres where the Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center is located and were involved in both the design (lobbying for the Spanish-Puebloan style) and construction (contributing nearly half the costs). The Fogelsons were even recognized in 1981 by the Department of the Interior when they received its highest honor, the Conservation Service Award.

The Visitor Center opened to the public on August 5, 1984. Many of the exhibits on display were purchased and donated by the Fogelsons.

Museum inside the Visitor Center at Pecos National Historical Park

OPERATING HOURS

Hours of operation for the Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center change based on the season, but it is typically open year-round at least from 9 AM to 4 PM. It opens a half hour earlier from May through October. It is closed for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Keep in mind that times can always change, so be sure to check the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the latest schedule.

AMENITIES

• Ranger-staffed information desk where you can ask questions and pick up a park brochure
• Souvenir and bookstore
• Museum
• Restrooms

Information desk and souvenir store inside the Visitor Center at Pecos National Historical Park

MUSEUM

Museum at the Visitor Center of Pecos National Historical Park

The museum at the Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center is comprised of information panels and artifacts from three different time periods of importance: the ancient Puebloans starting in the 12th century, the Spanish explorers starting in the 16th century, and the ranching days in the 20th century. Each historical era has its own section in the museum.

Spanish-era exhibit in the Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center

Display cases contain artifacts that were discovered during archeological digs at the various pueblo ruins within the park. Alfred V. Kidder, one of the archeologists credited with creating the Pecos Classification system to date artifacts and sites, led excavations at Pecos between 1915 and 1929. In addition to the main Pecos Pueblo, other smaller pueblo ruins were found. In total, over 800 archeological sites are within Pecos National Historical Park. It is interesting to note that Kidder and his wife are buried near the Pecos Pueblo.

Display case filled with artifacts discovered at Pecos National Historical Park

Pottery discovered at Pecos National Historical Park on display in the Visitor Center museum

A large majority of the items on display were donated to the park by the Fogelson’s, including two dioramas. One depicts the Spanish Mission Church that was built in 1625. The second diorama depicts the Pecos Pueblo at its height during the 1500s.

Diorama of the Spanish Mission Church on display at the Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center

Diorama of Pecos Pueblo on display at the Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center

Another exhibit area focuses on the Trading Post and the Forked Lightning Ranch. The Trading Post was first built in 1858 by Martin Kozlowski. It was a popular stop along the Santa Fe Trail and played a significant role during the Civil War and the Battle of Glorieta Pass. In 1925, the property was purchased by Tex Austin, a famous rodeo promoter. Wanting to capitalize on the popularity of the “romantic west”, he built the Forked Lightning Ranch and ran it as a dude ranch for the wealthy. As mentioned, Buddy Fogelson purchased the ranch from him in 1941.

Ranch-era exhibit area inside the Visitor Center at Pecos National Historical Park

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes at the Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center. This gives you enough time to check out the museum and talk with a Ranger about what there is to see and do at the park.

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