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
October 6
Rebuilding the Fort: Living History Program
In 1868, after nine years of neglect, the US Army returned to Fort McKavett and began rebuilding its structures. The Texas Rifles living history organization will portray the 35th Infantry Regiment assigned to rebuild and maintain Fort McKavett,...
October 14
2023 Annular Eclipse and Fall Star Party
Join us for one of the most spectacular celestial events of 2023 at Fort McKavett! At approximately 11:48 am, the "ring of fire" will be visible from the Fort Parade Ground for nearly 5 minutes, making the site one of the best viewing places in...
November 17
Antebellum Army Occupation
Fort McKavett was established by the 8th Infantry Regiment in 1852 and was occupied by the Army until 1859. What did the soldiers do here in the pre-Civil War (Antebellum) era? Come see the soldiers perform drill, fatigue duty, and leisurely...
From the Blog
By Alexandra Dedovitch
In the days when Texas travelers needed protection from warring Native American tribes, wagons sought safe passage as they expanded westward, and camels roamed the region as an experiment for military transportation, Texas military forts were a pinnacle of importance for the Texas frontier. Although long deserted from active duty, these 3 famous Texas Forts...
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of The Medallion.
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor, The Medallion
Standing on a rocky bluff overlooking the panoramic oak-lined brim of the Edwards Plateau, it's easy to imagine Fort McKavett in 1852. The site has changed little in 160 years, but there's something beyond the physical landscape that conjures...
