Montague: History, Trails, and Nature

The Montague County Courthouse was built in 1913 and designed by George Burnett. Along with traces of historic mail and cattle trails, it offers a glimpse into different chapters of the county’s history. Waterways and parks complement these historic sites with opportunities to enjoy nature and recreation.

Historic Trails and Places

In 1858, the Butterfield Overland Mail Line ran through Montague County. In the 1870s, two feeder branches of the Chisholm Trail also crossed the county. Highway 82 partially follows the route mapped by Marcy. The Butterfield Line points to the history of mail service, while the later Chisholm feeders reflect the cattle-driving era; the highway route follows another part of this trail history.

On the Chisholm Cattle Trail, Red River Station was an important crossing and the last place along the trail where supplies could be purchased before Abilene, Kansas. In Saint Jo, the Stonewall Saloon was built in 1873 as the town’s first permanent building to accommodate cattle drivers on the Chisholm Trail. Today, it serves as a museum about the history of Montague County.

Public tours of the Old Jail in Montague are currently available by appointment only. The Montague County Historical Commission also offers a driving tour of historic sites through the Otocast app. These include the County Courthouse and Old Jail, Forestburg First Settlement, Saint Jo Chisholm Trail Square, The Battle of Spanish Fort, and Red River Station and the Chisholm Trail. Since the digital tour’s availability may change, check whether it is being offered before making plans.

The Tales 'N' Trails Museum is an official Texas Visitor Information Center. If you plan to visit for travel information, check the current opening arrangements in advance.

Archaeological Sites on the Red River

Spanish Fort is located on the site of an old Taovayas village. The Spanish Fort Sites are a series of historic archaeological sites extending for several miles along both banks of the Red River in Montague County, Texas, and Jefferson County, Oklahoma. They have been identified as a group of villages belonging to Indigenous populations associated with the Wichitas. The subject therefore encompasses both a single historic settlement site and a series of sites spanning the Red River and two counties.

Lakes and Parks

Nocona Reservoir is a 1,362-acre recreational reservoir on Farmers Creek in Montague County. There are three public boat ramps at the reservoir, with parking and boat-launching docks. Since access information may change temporarily, check conditions before your visit.

The older section of Lake Amon G. Carter has a rocky shoreline, stands of cattails, and standing deadwood or standing trees. This description of the lake section offers a different view of the landscape than the recreational opportunities at Nocona Reservoir.

In Nocona, Enid Justin City Park has a very large playground as well as a walking and jogging trail. Blue Mound Park has a walking and fitness trail with several benches and rest stations. A pavilion on a hill there also offers views of Nocona. The two parks have different features: a playground and walking or jogging trail at one, and a fitness trail, rest areas, and a view at the other.

Bowie: Market, Festival, and Photo Stop

Second Monday Trade Days takes place in Bowie on the second Monday of every month. Vendors offer arts and crafts, antiques, specialty items, food, and drinks; the mix may vary from one event to the next. If you’re planning a visit to the market, expect the selection to change.

The Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival is held regularly on the first Saturday in October; the 2026 event was scheduled for October 3. The festival includes a Heritage Market featuring arts and crafts and food vendors, including chicken and bread. Vendor participation may also vary from one event to the next. The program also includes a Fiddler’s Contest recognized by the Texas Old Time Fiddlers’ Association.

The World's Largest Bowie Knife in Bowie serves as a photo stop for visitors. Its Guinness World Record dates to 2016.

Discover more destinations: Bowie, Ward County, Brazos, Hutchinson County, Lavaca, Cameron, Calhoun County, Tom Green.

For the broader travel overview: Texas.