Barker Lodge, Main House, Panther Junction, Brewster County, TX

1998 Charles E. Peterson Prize, Entry
Significance: Barker Lodge significance comes from its long standing association with local and regional historical events in the Big Bend country of West Texas. Since the original patent in 1883, the portion of survey block G-19 section 7, known today as Barker Lodge, has played an important role in the early land-use patterns and economic development of the Boquillas region. A center for mining activity beginning in the 1890's, the Barker property assumed early significance among both the Mexican and the American Inhabitants along the lower Rio Grande. As the site of the first U. S. Customs House in Boquillas, Barker Lodge became intimately associated with community growth on both sides of the border. During the formative years of Big Bend National Park, this structure continued to achieve regional recognition first as a recreational retreat for early visitors and more recently as a ranger station and as a scientific research facility. A classic example of the twentieth-century application of adobe construction, Barker Lodge also demonstrates an architectural quality not readily visible in the Big Bend. Notably, this building essentially unchanged in its appearance since the 1930's, has retained much of the historical integrity that has associated it with people and events in the area. In doing so, Barker Lodge over the years has become one of the few remaining physical representatives of a colorful and vibrant history of the Boquillas region.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N805
Survey number: HABS TX-3490-A
Building/structure dates: ca. 1930 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1976 Subsequent Work