Study Butte and Terlingua are two small towns on the western edge of Big Bend National Park that lie near the intersection of 118 and 170. Due to their geographic position as a gateway to Big Bend National Park, they have grown slowly since then and contain lodging options, outdoor activity outfitters, gift shops, a gas station and restaurants. The combined population of the two towns is around 300.
They developed as a result of the mercury mining industry in the area around 1900. The mine in Study Butte closed for the final time in 1972.
Terlingua Ghost Town
Terlingua was a old quicksilver (mercury) mining town where the mine by the Chisos Mining Company closed and the miners left. It is free to stop by the ruins and the original company store.
Terlingua is now famous for its chili cookoff, which has happened for more than 50 years. It brings thousands to the area on the first weekend in November.
Neither Study Butte nor Terlingua are located in the park but they are initimately connected to the park due to their location on one of only two roads from the United States into Big Bend National Park