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

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...

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