Law west of the Pecos in Langtry, Val Verde County, Texas, conjures images of the Wild West - a place where rugged cowboys and outlaws roamed the vast, untamed landscape, where justice was often meted out at the end of a gun barrel, and where the line between right and wrong was often blurred.
Located along the banks of the majestic Pecos River, Langtry is a small, remote town with a big reputation. It was here that the legendary Judge Roy Bean held court, earning himself the moniker "The Law West of the Pecos." Bean was a colorful character, to say the least - a self-proclaimed lawman who dispensed justice according to his own whims and desires.
In Langtry, the law wasn't always just or fair, but it was always swift and final. Bean's famous motto was "Law west of the Pecos, hangin' judge west of the Mississippi," and he wasn't afraid to use his power to enforce his own brand of frontier justice.
Despite its lawless reputation, Langtry was also a place of great beauty and adventure. The stark, rugged landscape of Val Verde County provided the perfect backdrop for countless tales of daring outlaws, daring lawmen, and larger-than-life characters.
Today, Langtry is a historic town that pays homage to its Wild West past. Visitors can tour the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center and Opera House, which is dedicated to preserving the memory of this larger-than-life figure. The town also boasts a replica of the Jersey Lilly, Bean's saloon and courthouse, where visitors can step back in time and experience life in the Old West.
Law west of the Pecos may have been rough and tumble, but it has left an indelible mark on the history and lore of Texas. In Langtry, the spirit of the Wild West still lives on, reminding us of a time when justice was swift, and the law was enforced with a six-shooter.
