Fort Davis National Historic Site
Jct. of TX 17 and 118, Fort Davis, TXFort Davis is nationally significant because of the key role that it played from 1854 to 1885 in defending a vital and often dangerous segment of the southern transcontinental emigrant road and in protecting the Texas frontier from hostile Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache Indians. Fort Davis draws added significance from the fact that, in extent of surviving structures and ruins, it is the best remaining example in the Southwest of the typical post-Civil War frontier fort.
Established in an attempt to curb Indian depredations along the San Antonio- El Paso Road, Fort Davis was one of several forts which stretched from the established settlements of central Texas to the Rio Grande at El Paso. As the largest and most important of the forts along the road, Fort Davis was strategically located to command not only the trans-Pecos portion of the El Paso Road but also the southern stem of the Great Comanche War Trail, the major routes of Mescalero Apache War parties destined for Mexico, and the crossings of the Rio Grande used by the Indians in their forays against Mexican settlements.
Fort Davis was initially constructed in 1854 as a collection of log, plank, and adobe structures, but following the Civil War, a more substantial post was erected of stone and adobe. Primarily staffed with four regiments of black "buffalo" soldiers, this new fort continued to serve as an important link in the frontier defenses of western Texas and as a springboard for offensive operations against the Indians. During 1879-1880, it played a major role in the campaign against Victorio and the Warm Springs Apaches. During the late 1870's and early 1880's cattlemen began to enter the area and establish ranches. By 1891, Fort Davis had outlined its usefulness and it was permanently abandoned.
Established in an attempt to curb Indian depredations along the San Antonio- El Paso Road, Fort Davis was one of several forts which stretched from the established settlements of central Texas to the Rio Grande at El Paso. As the largest and most important of the forts along the road, Fort Davis was strategically located to command not only the trans-Pecos portion of the El Paso Road but also the southern stem of the Great Comanche War Trail, the major routes of Mescalero Apache War parties destined for Mexico, and the crossings of the Rio Grande used by the Indians in their forays against Mexican settlements.
Fort Davis was initially constructed in 1854 as a collection of log, plank, and adobe structures, but following the Civil War, a more substantial post was erected of stone and adobe. Primarily staffed with four regiments of black "buffalo" soldiers, this new fort continued to serve as an important link in the frontier defenses of western Texas and as a springboard for offensive operations against the Indians. During 1879-1880, it played a major role in the campaign against Victorio and the Warm Springs Apaches. During the late 1870's and early 1880's cattlemen began to enter the area and establish ranches. By 1891, Fort Davis had outlined its usefulness and it was permanently abandoned.
Bibliography
Robert M. Utley. "Special Report on Fort Davis, Texas." National Park Service. June, 1960.
National Park Service. Soldier and Brave; Indian and Military Affairs in the Trans-Mississippi West, Including a Guide to Historic Sites and Landmarks. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1963.
National Park Service. Soldier and Brave; Indian and Military Affairs in the Trans-Mississippi West, Including a Guide to Historic Sites and Landmarks. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1963.
Military; Exploration/settlement
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.
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About Jeff Davis County
Jeff Davis County Timeline
Jeff Davis County, located in the Big Bend region of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche, who roamed the rugged landscape and established a connection with the region's natural surroundings. This changed in the mid-1800s, when European settlers began venturing into the area in search of new opportunities.
The county was officially established on March 15, 1887, and was named in honor of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Early settlers faced numerous challenges including rugged terrain, harsh weather conditions, and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, the area's rich natural resources, including fertile land and abundant water sources, attracted more settlers and contributed to the economic growth of the county.
With the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882, the county experienced a period of growth and development. This led to the establishment of the county seat, Fort Davis, which became a vibrant hub of commerce, trade, and military presence. Fort Davis, named after the former Secretary of War and President of the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, played a significant role in protecting settlers from Native American raids during the late 19th century.
Throughout the 20th century, Jeff Davis County continued to evolve, with the development of agriculture, ranching, and tourism industries. The county's rich natural beauty, including the Chihuahuan Desert and the stunning vistas of the Davis Mountains, attracted visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Jeff Davis County remains a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity, making it an intriguing destination for those seeking a glimpse into the rich heritage and captivating landscapes of the American Southwest.
The county was officially established on March 15, 1887, and was named in honor of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Early settlers faced numerous challenges including rugged terrain, harsh weather conditions, and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, the area's rich natural resources, including fertile land and abundant water sources, attracted more settlers and contributed to the economic growth of the county.
With the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882, the county experienced a period of growth and development. This led to the establishment of the county seat, Fort Davis, which became a vibrant hub of commerce, trade, and military presence. Fort Davis, named after the former Secretary of War and President of the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, played a significant role in protecting settlers from Native American raids during the late 19th century.
Throughout the 20th century, Jeff Davis County continued to evolve, with the development of agriculture, ranching, and tourism industries. The county's rich natural beauty, including the Chihuahuan Desert and the stunning vistas of the Davis Mountains, attracted visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Jeff Davis County remains a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity, making it an intriguing destination for those seeking a glimpse into the rich heritage and captivating landscapes of the American Southwest.
Jeff Davis County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jeff Davis County, Texas.
- 1881: Jeff Davis County is established on March 15.
- 1882: The town of Fort Davis becomes the county seat.
- 1884: The county courthouse is completed.
- 1890: The population of Jeff Davis County is 883.
- 1911: The Alamito Creek Reservation is established.
- 1929: Oil is discovered in the county, leading to increased economic activity.
- 1930: The population of Jeff Davis County is 3,937.
- 1942: The Fort Davis National Historic Site is established.
- 1963: Davis Mountains State Park opens.
- 1992: The population of Jeff Davis County is 1,863.
- 2003: The Madera Wind Farm begins operation.