Fort Richardson
S of Jacksboro on U.S. 281, Jacksboro, TXFort Richardson, northernmost of the chain of Texas forts, took the place of Fort Belknap, which was abandoned after the Civil War for lack of water (see National Historic Landmark files for Fort Belknap, Texas). Like Belknap, Fort Richardson was the protective fortification for the North Texas frontier during Indian conflicts. In particular, Fort Richardson was instrumental in quelling the Kiowa-Comanche conflicts of the post-Civil War period. Because of its proximity to the Oklahoma border, Fort Richardson, during the Peace Policy programs of President Grant, acted as an Indian overseer and protector. The fort was also a stop for the El Paso stage line, which used the old Butterfield trail.
Much of Fort Richardson has been lost. However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which acquired the property in 1969, has begun a program of preservation and restoration. Of the original 40-plus buildings at Fort Richardson, only six presently stand. There have been extensive archeological investigations and several buildings and sites have been identified, though no facilities have been constructed for their interpretation. The fort (or historic) area sits in a much larger Fort Richardson State Park. The park is located on the south edge of Jacksboro, Texas, on U.S. 281. The park is open to the public throughout the year.
Founded in 1867 to replace the recently abandoned Fort Belknap as the northernmost-fort-in-the-Texas chain of fortifications, Fort Richardson played an important role in the protection of American lives and property during the days of the Kiowa-Comanche conflict of the post-Civil War period.
From 1870 to 1875, the region around Fort Richardson suffered more than any other part of Texas "From Kiowa and Comanche raids, and the North Texas frontier was all but depopulated as a result. Near Fort Richardson, in 1871, the Indians ambushed and massacred a wagon train led by Henry Warren. General William T. Sherman had just passed over the route, and the experience impressed him with the seriousness of the situation in North Texas. He ordered Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie out of Fort Richardson onto the trail of the hostiles. At the Fort Sill Reservation, the leaders, Satatna, Satank, and Big Tree were arrested and sent to Jacksboro, a settlement only a half mile north of Fort Richardson, for a non-military trial. According to the official report, Satank was shot and killed as he tried to escape while en route to Jacksboro. The trial, resulting in Satanta and Big Tree being sentenced to prison, marked the first time that Indians had been tried in a non-military court and also marked the beginning of the end of the Peace Policy.
Troops from Fort Richardson participated in the Red River War of 1874-75 and in the battle of Palo Duro Canyon in September of 1875. With the conclusion of the war in 1875, the power of the Kiowas and Comanches was broken. The Indian tribes were confined to their reservations in Oklahoma. The need for Fort Richardson had passed. The fort was abandoned in 1878.
Much of Fort Richardson has been lost. However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which acquired the property in 1969, has begun a program of preservation and restoration. Of the original 40-plus buildings at Fort Richardson, only six presently stand. There have been extensive archeological investigations and several buildings and sites have been identified, though no facilities have been constructed for their interpretation. The fort (or historic) area sits in a much larger Fort Richardson State Park. The park is located on the south edge of Jacksboro, Texas, on U.S. 281. The park is open to the public throughout the year.
Founded in 1867 to replace the recently abandoned Fort Belknap as the northernmost-fort-in-the-Texas chain of fortifications, Fort Richardson played an important role in the protection of American lives and property during the days of the Kiowa-Comanche conflict of the post-Civil War period.
From 1870 to 1875, the region around Fort Richardson suffered more than any other part of Texas "From Kiowa and Comanche raids, and the North Texas frontier was all but depopulated as a result. Near Fort Richardson, in 1871, the Indians ambushed and massacred a wagon train led by Henry Warren. General William T. Sherman had just passed over the route, and the experience impressed him with the seriousness of the situation in North Texas. He ordered Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie out of Fort Richardson onto the trail of the hostiles. At the Fort Sill Reservation, the leaders, Satatna, Satank, and Big Tree were arrested and sent to Jacksboro, a settlement only a half mile north of Fort Richardson, for a non-military trial. According to the official report, Satank was shot and killed as he tried to escape while en route to Jacksboro. The trial, resulting in Satanta and Big Tree being sentenced to prison, marked the first time that Indians had been tried in a non-military court and also marked the beginning of the end of the Peace Policy.
Troops from Fort Richardson participated in the Red River War of 1874-75 and in the battle of Palo Duro Canyon in September of 1875. With the conclusion of the war in 1875, the power of the Kiowas and Comanches was broken. The Indian tribes were confined to their reservations in Oklahoma. The need for Fort Richardson had passed. The fort was abandoned in 1878.
Bibliography
Carter, R.G., On the Border with Mackenzie (1935).
Rister, C.C., The Southwestern Frontier, 1865-1881 (Cleveland, 1928).
Rister, C.C., "The Significance of the Jacksboro Indian Affair of 1871, Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Vol. XXIX (1926).
Nye, W.S., Carbine and Lance, (Norman, 1937).
Toulouse, J.H. and J.R., Pioneer Post of Texas (San Antonio, 1936).
(continued)
Special Study on Fort Richardson prepared by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division, 1975.
War Department, "A Report on the Hygiene of the U.S. Army with Description of Military Posts, Circular No. 8," (Washington, D.C., 1875).
Rister, C.C., The Southwestern Frontier, 1865-1881 (Cleveland, 1928).
Rister, C.C., "The Significance of the Jacksboro Indian Affair of 1871, Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Vol. XXIX (1926).
Nye, W.S., Carbine and Lance, (Norman, 1937).
Toulouse, J.H. and J.R., Pioneer Post of Texas (San Antonio, 1936).
(continued)
Special Study on Fort Richardson prepared by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division, 1975.
War Department, "A Report on the Hygiene of the U.S. Army with Description of Military Posts, Circular No. 8," (Washington, D.C., 1875).
Military
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
About Jack County
Jack County Timeline
Jack County, Texas is located in North Central Texas and has a rich and colorful history. It was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century. The county was named after Patrick Jack, who served as a soldier in the Texas Revolution.
The first European-American settlers arrived in the area in the 1850s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant game. In 1856, the county was officially organized and the town of Jacksboro was established as the county seat. During this time, conflicts with Native American tribes were common, and several forts were constructed to protect the settlers, including Fort Richardson near Jacksboro.
The county played a significant role in the Civil War, with many residents joining Confederate forces. In 1862, a bloody battle known as the Battle of Dove Creek took place in Jack County, where Confederates clashed with a combination of Union troops and Native American allies.
After the war, Jack County experienced growth and development. Ranching became a primary economic activity, as the region was well-suited for cattle ranching. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, oil was discovered in the county, leading to a boom in the local economy.
Today, Jack County still maintains its agricultural heritage, with ranching and oil production remaining important industries. The county is also known for its rich historical sites, including Fort Richardson State Park, which preserves the history of the region's military past.
The first European-American settlers arrived in the area in the 1850s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant game. In 1856, the county was officially organized and the town of Jacksboro was established as the county seat. During this time, conflicts with Native American tribes were common, and several forts were constructed to protect the settlers, including Fort Richardson near Jacksboro.
The county played a significant role in the Civil War, with many residents joining Confederate forces. In 1862, a bloody battle known as the Battle of Dove Creek took place in Jack County, where Confederates clashed with a combination of Union troops and Native American allies.
After the war, Jack County experienced growth and development. Ranching became a primary economic activity, as the region was well-suited for cattle ranching. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, oil was discovered in the county, leading to a boom in the local economy.
Today, Jack County still maintains its agricultural heritage, with ranching and oil production remaining important industries. The county is also known for its rich historical sites, including Fort Richardson State Park, which preserves the history of the region's military past.
Jack County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jack County, Texas.
- 1857 - Jack County is established by the Texas legislature.
- 1858 - Fort Richardson is established near present-day Jacksboro.
- 1864 - Battle of Dove Creek takes place between Confederate and Union forces in the county.
- 1871 - Texas & Pacific Railroad reaches Jacksboro, boosting the local economy.
- 1872 - Jacksboro is designated as the county seat.
- 1883 - Chisholm Trail, used for cattle drives, passes through the county.
- 1907 - Oil is discovered in Jack County, leading to a boom in the local economy.
- 1919 - Jacksboro tornado causes significant damage and loss of life.
- 1936 - Construction of Possum Kingdom Lake is completed.
- 1950s - 1960s - The decline of the oil industry affects the county's economy.
- 1990s - Present - Jack County focuses on diversifying its economy through tourism and agriculture.