Army Service Club

Historical marker location:
154 Fort Clark Road, Brackettville, Texas
( 154 Fort Clark Road)
Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 16" x 12" Plate & Medallion

Occupying the site of Fort Clark’s first guardhouse, this 1938 structure served as a morale and welfare facility until 1944, when the U.S. Army closed the fort. The building was a recreation center for soldiers, and served as a non-commissioned officers’ club during World War II mobilization. The building has also been a country club and community center. The one-story structure is a rectangular plan frame building with horizontal siding atop a limestone webwall foundation. Banks of casement windows and wood louvered vents originally provided ventilation and light

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Kinney County, Texas, located in the southwestern part of the state, has an interesting and diverse history. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan Indians. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers began to explore the region and establish missions. One notable explorer was Pedro de Rivera, who led an expedition to the area in 1727.

In the early 19th century, Kinney County was primarily used as a hunting ground for the Lipan Apache and Comanche tribes. However, the arrival of Anglo settlers in the mid-1800s led to conflicts and tensions. The Battle of Bandera Pass, which took place in 1841, was a significant event in the region's history as it was one of the largest confrontations between Texas Rangers and Native American tribes in that era.

The creation of Kinney County occurred in 1850, and it was named after Texas Ranger and soldier Henry Lawrence Kinney. The county became an important center for cattle ranching in the late 19th century. The establishment of the railroad in the area further supported the growth of the county, as it provided a means for transporting goods and livestock.

Over the years, Kinney County has experienced economic ups and downs, with changes in agriculture and ranching practices impacting the local economy. Today, the county continues to be largely rural, with a focus on farming, ranching, and oil and gas production. The region's rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty make it an appealing destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kinney County, Texas.

  • 1850 - Kinney County, TX is founded
  • 1876 - Fort Clark is established, becoming an important military post
  • 1884 - Kinney County becomes part of the Maverick County judicial district
  • 1910 - The town of Brackettville is incorporated
  • 1943 - The movie "The Alamo" is filmed at Fort Clark
  • 1978 - Fort Clark is added to the National Register of Historic Places
  • 2000 - The population of Kinney County reaches its peak at 4,467 residents