These were once homes in the mining town of Terlingua, Texas. Cinnabar was discovered here in the 1880’s and several mining companies worked the general area until 1947 when the last mine closed. Cinnabar is processed into quicksilver, or mercury and today while there are still uses for the element concerns about its toxic nature limit its use. The town was once well over 2000 people and about 5000 in the immediate area. Today 75 people call Terlingua home. Many of those in small, decrepit trailers and shacks. A few have rebuilt an old structure into something more substantial and there are a smattering of art shops and restaurants along with one store and an inn in what was one mine owners mansion.