Fort McKavett State Historic Site

Reenactors raise the US flag. The fort ruins at night. Soldier reenactors. Kids play games on the grounds.

7066 FM 864 
Fort McKavett, TX 76841
325-396-2358
ft-mckavett@thc.texas.gov

 

Driving map to Fort McKavett.

Standing atop a windswept remote hill, the remains of a 150-year-old West Texas fort beckon curious visitors to the site that is now considered one of the best preserved and most intact examples of a Texas Indian Wars (1850–1875) military post. Take in the spectacular Hill Country vistas and experience the history of early West Texas life through the real stories of the infantrymen, Buffalo Soldiers, women, and children who lived at what Gen. William T. Sherman once described as "the prettiest post in Texas."

Restored structures include the officers’ quarters, barracks, hospital, school house, dead house, sink, and post headquarters. In addition, there are ruins of several buildings, most notably the commanding officer’s quarters, which burned in 1941, and the barracks along the north side of the parade ground, which once was the longest building west of the Mississippi River.

Upcoming Events

June 3

Nighttime Photography

Grab your cameras and come out to see the nighttime sky at McKavett! Please be on site by 4PM to fill out a waiver and familiarize yourselves with the grounds. For more information, contact Rhett Kearns at Rhett.Kearns@thc.texas.gov or at 325-396...

June 17

"By Industry We Thrive!" A 19th-Century Trades Program

Fort McKavett was more than just a military outpost. It was a community of workers, contractors, tradesmen, and businessmen whose talents built and maintained the fort. Come see our volunteers work many unique trade skills that would have helped...

July 8

Quartermaster Workshop: Painted Ground Cloths

Ground cloths were used by military and civilians alike, be it to use as a shelter, cover, or a pad on the ground as its name suggests. Painted cloths are a mixture of oils to make a primitive waterproofing. Participants will need to purchase...

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