History
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site commemorates the vestiges of one of four army posts established in 1855 to protect the military/trade route between San Antonio and El Paso onto California. Interestingly camels were commissioned at Camp Verde to be utilized for travel along this trade route. In 1861 it was abandoned by the US gov. in the wake of Texas' secession. The Fort was occupied by the Confederacy from 1861 to 62 in preparation for their New Mexico Campaign. 1867 Fort Lancaster was revived as a sub-post for the Buffalo Soldiers' 9th Cavalry. It became the only fort in Texas to be attacked by Native Americans when 100 soldiers fended off roughly 1000 Kickapoo in December of 1867. The Fort was permanently abandoned in 1873 or 74. Today visitors wander through ruins imagining the once impressive establishment of 25 permanent buildings--including a blacksmith shop, hospital, sutler's store, and bakery--and enjoy the sights, sounds, and wildlife of West Texas.
Specialties
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site commemorates the vestiges of one of four army posts established in 1855 to protect the military/trade route between San Antonio and El Paso onto California. Visitors wander through ruins imagining the once impressive establishment of 25 permanent buildings--including a blacksmith shop, hospital, sutler's store, and bakery--and enjoy the sights, sounds, and wildlife of West Texas. Our role as a portal to the West has not changed though. Today we specialize in knowing the cultural events and sites to see in West Texas. Everything from the Big Bend Region up to the Northern Texas Plains on to the Hill Country. Call us if you have any questions on the West Texas Region.