ALBANY
Population 1,987
Altitude 1,429
General
Seat of Shackelford County, was early supply point on Western
Trail to Dodge City; still important as ranchland; beef cattle
supply 90 percent of county's agricultural income. Also oil producing
and oil well supply center.
Old MKT depot serves as chamber of commerce office, community
center and exhibit area for local handicrafts. Open weekdays;
Central and Main Streets.
"Fort Griffin Fandangle," presented last two weekends
in June by more than 200 townsfolk under the stars of the West
Texas sky. Musical version of history as it lingers in memories
of old-timers is unique blend of hoedown and ballet, laughter
and solemnity.
Attractions
- GEORGIA MONUMENT - Erected in 1976 to fulfill long-standing
promise to honor the Georgia Battalion that volunteered in Texas'
war for independence n 1836. Most were killed in the Goliad massacre;
Dr. John Shackleford, for whom the county is named, was spared
as useful to Mexicans. Flags of the State of Georgia, Texas Republic,
and U.S. fly over the stone marker and fountain. Plaques detail
the Georgians' contribution to the new republic. Near chamber
of commerce at South Main and South First Streets.
- LEDBETTER PICKLE HOUSE - Restored frontier ranch structure
with rustic period furnishings. House is a dog-run cabin built
of slender upright poles (pickets). Open daily from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. Between chamber of commerce and Georgia Monument. Located
at 700 Railroad Street.
- THE OLD JAIL ART CENTER - Exceptional permanent art
exhibits include works of Giacomo Manzu, John Marin, Charles
Umlauf, Louise Nevelson, Henry Moore, Amedeo Modligliani, Pablo
Picasso, and examples of Chinese art from the Han, Wei, Sui, Tang
and Ming Dynasties. Also research facilities for artists, historians,
critics, and scholars. Housed in a restored county jail (c. 1878).
Open Tues. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. from 2 to 5 p.m.;
Closed major holidays. Second Street. (Texas 6) one block east
of courthouse.
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