A historic photograph dated circa 1886–1887 offers a rare glimpse into the early commercial life of Alpine, then known as Murphyville. Captured along what is now Holland Avenue, the image features prominent businesses of the time, including Haymaker Saloon, Gage Bros., Ware House, and Garnett and Sons.
The photograph, measuring 15.2 by 25.4 centimeters, is part of the Clifford B. Casey Collection housed at the Archives of the Big Bend. It falls under the subject categories of cities and towns and building history, documenting the development of Brewster County’s county seat during its formative years.
Listed as a still image in the digital archive, the photo reflects the layout and economic activity of Murphyville just before it was renamed Alpine. The businesses shown played key roles in the town’s early growth, serving as hubs for trade, supplies, and social life in the remote West Texas community.
The image is categorized as a photograph in the collection, which spans from 1882 to 1981.
