Description

The Texas Legislature proclaimed Lockhart to be the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.” Lockhart is the county seat of Caldwell County and is named after Byrd Lockhart. Our first stop of the day will be the Southwest Museum of Clocks & Watches. The museum opened its doors March 29, 2008. When visitors enter the front door of the museum the first exhibit to catch your eyes is a beautifully restored tower clock. The clock is in fact the original Caldwell County courthouse clock. Next, we visit the Caldwell County Museum, the former jail. The first floor is full of artifacts and furniture from when the Sherriff’s family lived there. The jail was constructed in 1908 and continued to house inmates until 1983. This five-story brick structure contains nine main jail cells. Next stop will be for lunch at Black’s Barbecue. The restaurant opened in Lockhart in 1932. Black’s Barbecue was originally a meat market and grocery store. After lunch we will visit the Dr. Eugene Clark Library. This is the oldest continuously operated library in the State of Texas and the first city library built in the state. This unique and historically significant building was built in 1889 with a $10,000 bequest from Dr. Eugene Clark. The library is a two-story Greek cross plan and is a Classical Revival building of red brick and limestone trim. Cost includes motor coach transportation, lunch, admission fees and tips.