Fort McKavett

Fort McKavett is located in Fort McKavett, Menard County, TX and is considered a ghost town. It was established in 1852 as part of a chain of numerous U.S. Army forts that were established to protect pioneers as they travelled to the west coast. In 1859, it was abandoned and in 1861 it was used by Confederate troops during the Civil War. After the Civil War the army occupied the site again and the Buffalo soldiers would be stationed there until the late 1880's when they withdrew, and civilians took over the space creating a town until the late 20th century when it was abandoned again. In fact, all four regiments of the Buffalo soldiers were stationed at Fort McKavett at one time or another. At that time the Texas Historical Commission stepped in and took control of the abandoned fort turning it into a Texas Historic site.

This is just an overview of the history of the fort. Below are pictures of the different areas of the fort and descriptions:

This is the parade grounds, and, in the distance, you can see some of the reconstructed and restored buildings which include the officers' quarters.

This is the ruins of the commanding officer's residence. The residence is in its present condition due to a fire which broke out.

Interior of the bunk house where enlisted soldiers would have stayed.

Fort McKavett is an interesting place to visit and learn about western forts. It is one of the best-preserved forts in Texas. I visited during the hot summer months as the pictures show and I don't regret it for one minute because it gave me a sense of what the soldiers went through being out in an isolated area with nothing around except for danger.