Fort McKavett has been relatively untouched by time. Overlooking the headwaters of the San Saba River Valley Bottom, Fort McKavett State Historical Park consists of fifteen restored buildings, including officers’ quarters, barracks, hospital, school house, bakery, dead house (mortuary) , sink, post headquarters, and the ruins of numerous others. Interpretive exhibits in the 1870 hospital ward trace the history of the Fort McKavett area, emphasizing military history, the post-military community, and historic archeology.
Fascinating, too, are the host of fort artifacts found during excavations after the property was acquired by the state in 1968: 1879 dollar, 1853 quarter, .44 caliber Winchester cartridge, musket shot, Mexican belt buckle, smoking pipes, ox yoke, medicine bottles, marbles and 1848 Colt Army dragoon percussion revolver. Historic photographs of the fort’s namesake, Captain Henry McKavett, as well as the renowned Buffalo Soldiers, Governor Francis R. Lubbock and other notables who passed along the Upper El Paso-San Antonio Road here before the turn of the century lend a nice touch to the museum’s displays.
“When the public shows up here at Fort McKavett to sit on a picnic bench, poke through the ruins and stroll the parade grounds, they’re able to feel history,” says park manager Buddy Garza, a native of Menard. “You don’t see any power lines or tall buildings, pavement or shopping malls. It hasn’t changed much out here in 100 years.”
But not everything at the historic site is static in nature. A very popular event happens one Saturday every March. The fort is host to an all day living history event that features reenactors who don soldier uniforms complete with rifles. The cavalry charges on mighty steeds, supply wagons are skillfully steered by wagon masters, and mountain men are complete with coon skin hats. Rarely a dull moment passes with the activity of a “living” fort.
History
Fort McKavett was established by five companies of the 8th Infantry in March, 1852, as a deterrent to Indian raids in the area and to provide protection for travelers on the Upper El Paso Road--an important artery for emigration to the California gold fields. Native limestone, and oak and pecan groves furnished basic building materials, with finished lumber freighted from the supply depot in San Antonio. Built on a hill on the south bank of the San Saba River, the fort had an ample water supply and a healthful climate. Large gardens were cultivated in the rich soil near the river, and an abundance of fish and wild game was able to supplement the routine Army diet of beans and salt pork.
The post was named in honor of Captain Henry McKavett, 8th Infantry, who was killed in the Battle of Monterrey during the War with Mexico. In addition to the 8th Infantry, units of the 1st Infantry and 2nd Dragoons served at the fort in the 1850s. The predominant Indians in the area were the highly nomadic Comanches and Lipan Apaches. Fort McKavett was first abandoned in March, 1859, due to a decrease of Indian activity in the area and also due to less frequent use by travelers on the Upper El Paso Road in favor of using the Lower El Paso Road because of its more dependable water supply.
Due to the increase of Indian activity in the area, especially during the Civil War, and more western migration, Fort McKavett was reestablished in March 1868, by units of the 4th Cavalry. In addition to the 4th Cavalry, units stationed in this period included parts of the 1st, 10th, 16th, and 22nd Infantry, along with black troops of the 24th Infantry and 9th and 10th Cavalry. At its peak in the mid-1870’s, the post housed over 400 troops, providing escort duties and engaging in “hot pursuit” of marauding Indians. From the late 1860’s to the mid-1870’s, the fort saw its peak usage, with troops from the fort participating in most of the important campaigns which removed the Indian threat and opened West Texas to settlement.
By the end of the 1870’s, Fort McKavett’s importance waned along with the decline of Indian activity in the area, and the fort was closed on June 30, 1883. Nearby settlers moved into the vacant building and organized the nucleus of the village of Fort McKavett. Constant use and maintenance through the years have kept many of the old post structures in near original condition. Fort McKavett was designated a State Historical site on May 17, 1968, to help preserve its important role in history for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Facilities: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interpretive Center, picnicking tables, grill, drinking water.
Historical trail: 1/4 mile “Government Springs’ hiking trail which passes the limestone kiln and the San Saba springs.
How to get there . . .
From Junction, take I-10 west for approximately 20 miles, then take the State Road 1674/Fort McKavett State Historical Park exit. Turn left onto the service road, then a sign will direct you to turn right to get on State Road 1674. Fort McKavett is another 24 miles. Deer and other wildlife are plentiful on this road, so drive carefully.
For more information: Contact the park directly by calling (915) 396-2358, or call Texas Parks and Wildlife toll-free at (800) 792-1112. Visit Texas Parks and Wildlife web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us.
