Chamber

About Us

Sanderson has had true Cowboy life. Before relocating to Langtry, Judge Roy Bean disembarked at Sanderson's still-standing 1881 depot and attempted to start a saloon. Sensing competition, an established saloon owner poisoned Bean's whiskey barrels with kerosene, forever branding Sanderson as "The town too mean for Bean." Vestiges of its wild and woolly frontier beginnings abound, from the bank once robbed by the Wild Bunch to the train robbery in 1912, known as the 'Last Great Train Robbery" in the west, where two men attempted to rob a train, but a train agent killed them. They were buried at Cedar Grave Cemetery in Sanderson.

The town and the county are not that far removed from those days of Texas legend and lore. The strong influence of those pioneer days of cowboy culture, railroading, oil and gas lives on in the descendants of its original founders, many of whom still run their family ranches and businesses.

The town has strived over the years to keep its head above water. A flood in 1965 destroyed homes, businesses and lives. However, Sanderson rebuilt itself and is still here to welcome all who want to be a part of this wonderful town or even if you are just passing through.

For more about our history, check out our history article, The Town Too Mean for Bean, by Bill Hawn, the Sanderson web sites, call the Visitors Center, go to the Terrell County Library, or find more history in the book titled TERRELL COUNTY, TEXAS IT'S PAST - IT'S PEOPLE, compiled by Alice Evans Downie and available at the Visitor's Center.

Our Mission Statement

The members of the Sanderson Chamber of Commerce are committed to representing the business community, agricultural, commercial and industrial interests of Sanderson and Terrell County, to promote these businesses and encourage planned economic development. The Chamber is also committed to acquire, preserve, and distribute agricultural, civic, commercial and industrial statistics and information. We will recognize and respond to the developmental and educational needs of the entire community and strive to improve the quality of life for all local citizens through a partnership of civic, religious, governmental and business organizations. It is the desire of the Chamber to improve the overall quality of life in Sanderson, Terrell County, Texas.

Our Meetings

The Sanderson Chamber of Commerce meets the last Monday of each month at noon at the Terrell County Court House Grand Jury Room. See our Events Calendar for specific dates.

Our Membership

Chamber Members
as of February, 2010

Individual Members

Eric Cooksey

Bill & Lea Hawn
Henry Beth Hogg
Doris Harrison
Kim Rapp
Bill Smith

Business Members

Big Bend Travel Guide

Cactus Health Services. Inc.