The Livery Stable at Dripping Springs

The photo shows a group leaving the Van Patten Mountain Camp and Hotel by buggy for Dona Ana, a trip of about 25 miles, in April, 1897. The resort camp and hotel were built in the late 1800's by Major Eugene Van Patten. The livery buildings also served as chicken coops and as mercantile and wagon storage areas. There was an adjacent corral. Milk cows and vegetable gardens were also here. A stage brought guests to the hotel. The hotel closed in the 1920's.