Texas Forts
The Texas Forts Trail Region is a geographically defined area in Central West Texas and we proudly promote the Presidio de San Saba and the eight pre- and post-Civil War frontier forts along our recommended driving trail. In response to those who wish to know about other Texas forts, we offer the following information.
Fort Croghan
Fort Croghan was the among the first four forts established by the U.S. Army in the spring of 1849. The Burnet County Historical Commission and the Burnet County Heritage Society operate Fort Croghan Grounds and Museum. It is is located in the Texas Hill Country Trail Region.
Fort Davis
Established by the U.S. Army in 1854, the purpose of Fort Davis was to protect immigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons traveling the San Antonio-El Paso Road and the Chihuahua Trail. This historic site is operated by the National Park Service. Fort Davis National Historic Site is located in the Texas Mountain Trail Region.
Fort Lancaster
One of the most isolated posts in Texas, Fort Lancaster was established in 1855 to protect the military route between San Antonio and El Paso. Fort Lancaster is now a Texas State Historic Site and located in the Texas Pecos Trail Region.
Fort Leaton
Ben Leaton, a Chihuahua Trail freighter, established Fort Leaton as his home, tradiing post and private fort; the post was also known as Old Fortin, El Fortin and Fortin. Fort Leaston State Historic Site is located in the Texas Mountain Trail Region.
Fort Martin Scott
Fort Martin Scott was an active U.S. Army outpost from 1848 to 1853. In those five years, the Fort made a significant impact on the social and economic life of Fredericksburg and the surrounding area. Fort Martin Scott is located in the Texas Hill Country Region.
Fort Parker
Old Fort Parker is a reconstructed fort that pays tribute to the Parker family and other pioneers who paid a high price to settle in Texas. It was the site of the abduction of Cynthia Ann Parker on May 19, 1836, by Comanche Indians. The park is managed by the City of Groesback and is located in the Texas Brazos Trail Region.
Fort Stockton
Camp Stockton was etablished in 1858 to protect travelers on the numerous roads and trails that made us of the abundant water supply of Comanche Springs. Fort Stockton was re-established in 1867 and occupied until 1896. Historic Fort Stockton is owned by the City of Fort Stockton and managed by the Fort Stockton Historical Society; it is located within the Texas Pecos Trail Region.
Fort Sam Houston
Established in 1845, Fort Sam is the ninth oldest Army installation in the United States and has the largest collection of historic structures on any active M.S. military installation. Located in San Antonio, Fort Sam Houstin is within the Texas Independence Trail Region.
Fort Bliss
Tracing its establishment to as early as 1848, Fort Bliss has occupied several locations in the El Paso area. Originally known as "The Post Opposite El Paso," Fort Bliss is now the U.S. Army's second-largest installation. Located in El Paso, Fort Bliss is within the Texas Mountain Trail Region.
Fort Hood
Camp Hood was founded in 1942 so that soldiers could be trained in tank destroyer tactics. Today, Fort Hood is the largest activity duty armored post in the U.S. Armed Services. Fort Hood is at Killeen, within the Texas Brazos Trail Region.
U.S. Army Forts in Texas - 1800s
Forts Active in 1849 | Forts Active in 1854 | Post-Civil War Forts |
Fort Worth | Fort Belknap | Fort Richardson |
Fort Graham | Fort Phantom Hill | Fort Griffin |
Fort Gates | Fort Chadbourne | Fort Concho |
Fort Croghan | Fort Mason | Fort McKavett |
Fort Martin Scott | Fort McKavett | Fort Clark |
Fort Lincoln | Fort Terrett | Fort Duncan |
Fort Inge | Fort Clark | Fort McIntosh |
Fort Duncan | Fort Inge | Fort Ringgold |
Fort McIntosh | Fort Duncan | Fort Brown |
Ringgold Barracks | Fort Ewell | Fort Stockton |
Fort Polk | Fort McIntosh | Fort Davis |
Fort Brown | Ringgold Barracks | Fort Quitman |
Fort Brown | Fort Hancock | |
Fort Merrill | Fort Bliss | |
Fort Davis | Fort Elliott | |
Fort Bliss |