Officers Quarters 2-3 and 4

Historical marker location:
2-3-4 Colony Row, Brackettville, Texas
( Fort Clark Springs)
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 18" x 28"

These two buildings date from 1854-55, soon after the U.S. Army established Fort Clark. The antebellum fort then included officers quarters and barracks for enlisted men, as well as a two-story quartermaster storehouse, powder magazine, hospital, guardhouse and post headquarters around a parade ground. During this period, such notable army officers as John Bell Hood, J.E.B. Stuart, Fitzhugh Lee and James Longstreet served here and likely lived in these quarters. Horizontal logs and vertical posts were notched and interlocked to create these buildings. Limestone chimneys are also historic. The army closed the fort in 1944, by which time the buildings were clad in lath and plaster and wood siding.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2007

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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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