Fort McKavett State Historic Site, Fort McKavett Texas

joanie7 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:48:34 +0000

Fort McKavett was a United States Army Garrison established in 1852 as part of a chain of military posts designed to help protect travelers and the mail on the upper San Antonio El Paso Road. It is one of the nation’s best preserved frontier forts. Fort McKavett served as an army supply base for other forts in West Texas. Supplies coming from San Antonio, 160 miles distant, took seven days of hard travel. Other duties of the 350-500 soldiers stationed here were scouting expeditions to control Indian movements, protection of settlers and exploratory parties to gain knowledge of the area. The fort was occupied from 1852 through June of 1883 with the exception of the civil war years after which it was finally re-occupied on April 1st, 1868. At that time most of the buildings were in ruins from the 9 year period of neglect and initial faulty construction. The soldiers immediately began re-building the fort. Work details also included caring for the livestock, loading and unloading supply wagons as well as daily drills, area patrols and escort duties. A large 31-acre garden was planted and tended to and water hauled from the creek daily. Occasional pursuit of Indian raiding parties took place but in general combat was only a small part of duty on the frontier. The soldiers of Fort McKavett did however participate in two major Indian Campaigns. General Ranald S. MacKenzie’s and Lt. Col. William “Pecos Bill” Shafter’s raids into Mexico, also the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon led by MacKenzie during the Red River War in 1874. Portions of all four African American Army regiments, known as the Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at Fort McKavett at various times. Today, several of the original buildings, restored and furnished to the period are open for your viewing. You should allow one to two hours for your self guided tour of the fort. You may request a personal tour and if staffing is available various buildings may be opened and viewed. An employee or volunteer will be able to answer your questions. The 79.5 acre historic site is open from 8AM-5PM daily. Admission is $3 per person. Texas State Parks Passes are not honored here since this is a State Historic Site. You may bring your leashed pet on the grounds but not in the buildings. A short nature trail will lead you down to the spring-fed creek, part of the headwaters of the San Saba River and the rock quarry and lime kiln. Here soldiers made lime for construction of the stone buildings. Fort McKavett State Historic Site is located in the town of Fort McKavett, Texas on the western edge of Texas Hill Country. It is 23 miles from Menard, Texas and very close to the geographical center of the state of Texas. www.thc.state.tx.us 325-396-2358

Fort Davis National Historic Site, Fort Davis Texas

joanie7 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:27:49 +0000

Fort Davis was a United States Army Garrison established in 1854 to protect travelers and the mail on the San Antonio El Paso Road. Other duties of the soldiers stationed here were scouting expeditions to control Indian movements and exploratory parties to gain knowledge of the area. Fort Davis National Historic Site is one of the nation’s best preserved frontier forts. The fort was occupied from 1854 through 1891 with the exception of the civil war years. (1861-1865) Several of the original buildings, restored and furnished to the period are open for your viewing. You should allow one to two hours for your self guided tour of the fort. Allow more time if the enlisted men’s barracks is open and staffed by park personnel in period dress. An interpretative talk is given with plenty of time to answer your questions. The commanding officer’s quarters is also periodically staffed by the commander’s wife dressed in full victorian finery. At times the restored kitchen is opened by staff portraying an officer’s servant. Call ahead to the park to inquire if any of the buildings will be staffed during your visit. The 474 acre historic site is open from 8AM-5PM daily. Admission is $3 per person. 16 years of age and younger are free. If you have a National Parks Pass (America the Beautiful) or a Golden Age Pass admission is free. You may bring your leashed pet on the grounds but not in the buildings. Hiking trails at the site offer additional activity and you will be rewarded with spectacular views if you venture up to the scenic overlook. Fort Davis National Historic Site os located on the northern edge of the town of Fort Davis, Texas. www.nps.gov/foda 432-426-3224

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Fort McKavett State Historic Site, Fort McKavett Texas

Fort Davis National Historic Site, Fort Davis Texas