10+ Fascinating Military Forts in Texas to Visit

Are you learning about Texas in your homeschool? The Lone Star State is rich in history from wagon trains on the western frontier during Westward Expansion, to Buffalo soldiers. Part of this fascinating history are the military forts in Texas that were built to protect the newcomers.

Historic Military Forts in Texas

The Texas frontier was not a safe place for settlers traveling west and there were many threats from Native Americans, like the Plains Indians and Comanche Warriors.

When the Republic of Texas became a state in 1845, Texans hoped that the federal government and the U.S. Army would help to keep West Texas safe for settlers. Between 1846 and the late 1870s, the United States Army built or rebuilt dozens of forts across central and West Texas.

These forts also played a role in guarding against potential threats from Mexico, during the Mexican-American War. These forts were used as outposts for the United States Army to maintain control over the frontier and ensure the safety of settlers in the region.

This guide lists some of the interesting military forts in Texas that you don’t want to miss. Many of these historic forts are on the Texas Historical Commissions’ state historic sites.

1. The Alamo

The Alamo is is one of the most famous historic military forts in San Antonio, Texas. It was originally a Spanish mission, a beautiful Spanish presidio, but it became a key site during the Texas Revolution.

The Battle of the Alamo in 1836, is where a small group of Texan defenders, including Davy Crockett and James Bowie, held out against the Mexican soldiers of the Mexican Army. The Alamo has been protected, restored and preserved. It is now a symbol of Texan independence and resilience, and it attracts millions of visitors each year.

Things to Do:

• Remember the Alamo Guided Tour
• A Line in the Sand: Self Guided Experience
• Visit the Alamo Exhibit of art and artifacts.
• Download an audio tour to listen to while you tour the Alamo.
• Surrounded! The Alamo Augmented Experience – a brand new digital history experience with a handheld tablet.
• Visit the Alamo Church – this is free to enter.
• Living History Encampment and Musket Firing Demonstrations.
• There is also live music events throughout the year.

2. Fort Bliss

Fort Bliss is located in El Paso, Texas. It was originally established as a fort in 1849. It was one of the frontier forts that served as a military outpost to protect settlers and maintain order in the region. Today, it is one of the largest active military bases that serves as a training ground and support operations. It is home base for the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

The base includes various facilities such as the Fort Bliss Museum, which offers exhibits on military history and the fort’s role in different conflicts. There are visitor passes available, and many things to see and learn about.

Things to Do:

• Visit the museum to view exhibits on military history, including artifacts from various conflicts and the fort’s history.
• Tour preserved and restored buildings that reflect the fort’s history and military heritage.
• Attend various military events and demonstrations that are open to the public.

3. Fort Concho

Fort Concho is a National Historic Landmark located in San Angelo, Texas. It was established in 1867 to protect settlers, maintain peace, and support westward expansion. The fort was a key military post during the Indian Wars and home to the Buffalo Soldiers.

Things to Do:

• Explore restored historic buildings, including barracks, officers’ quarters, and a schoolhouse.
• Guided tours
• Living history demonstrations
• Exhibits on military and frontier life.
• Special events throughout the year, including Buffalo Soldier Heritage Day and Fort Concho Frontier Day.

4. Fort Clark

Fort Clark is another National Historic Landmark located in Bracketville, Texas. It was established in 1852 as a U.S. Army post protecting settlers and stagecoaches from Native American raids. The fort was home to the Black Seminole Scouts and the Buffalo Soldiers.

Things to Do:

• Explore the historical buildings.
• Visit the Fort Clark Museum to learn about its military history.
• Outdoor Activities like bird watching and hiking.
• Special events and live reenactments throughout the year.

5. Fort Davis National Historic Site

Fort Davis is a National Historic Site ran by the National Park Service located in the Davis Mountains in Jeff Davis County. It was established in 1854, as a key military post to protect settlers, mail coaches, and freight wagons from Native American attacks during the Indian Wars.

Things to Do:

• Visit the visitor center and museum.
• Explore the well-preserved military fort from the 19th century, including its restored buildings, museums, and exhibits.
• Listen to the sound of bugle calls as the sound presentation of an 1875 dress retreat parade plays throughout the fort at scheduled times.
• Hike on trails with scenic overlooks that will take you over to Davis Mountains State Park.

6. Fort Griffin State Historic Site

Fort Griffin is located in Albany, Texas. This fort was established in 1867 as a U.S. Army post to protect settlers from Native American raids and to secure the Texas frontier. The fort played a significant role during the Indian Wars and served as a supply base for troops.

Things to Do:

• Explore the historic ruins of the fort.
• Visit the musuem.
• See the Texas Longhorn herd that reside here.
• Attend a a reenactment and living history demonstrations.
• There is a campground to camp at.

7. Fort Inglish

Fort Inglish is in Bonham, Texas. Built in 1837 to protect early settlers from Native American attacks. The fort included blockhouses and a stockade. It was named after Colonel James Inglish, who played a significant role in its history

Things to Do:

• Visit the Fort Inglish village which includes log cabins, a general store, blacksmith shop, a school and church.
• Take an educational tour or field trip, or attend a living history reenactment or educational program.
• Visit the museum with artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Fort Inglish.

8. Fort Lancaster State Historic Site

Fort Lancaster is in Sheffield, Texas. This fort was established in 1855 as a U.S. Army post to protect travelers along the San Antonio-El Paso Road. During the Indian Wars it was a supply point and safe haven for stagecoaches and wagon trains.

Things to Do:

• Explore the ruins of the fort.
• Visit the interpretive center to learn about its history.
• Hike trails that offer scenic views of the Pecos River Valley.
• Living history reenactments and events.

9. Fort Leaton

Fort Leaton is located in the Big Bend Region of Texas near the Rio Grande. It was established in the 1850s by the Leaton family as a trading post, it was later used as a military fort to protect settlers and travelers in the area.

Fort Leaton is a historic site managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It is absolutely beautiful and the fort is made of adobe construction, including walls and structures designed to withstand the harsh desert environment.

Things to Do:

• Tour the historic site and preserved buildings.
• Visit the museum for exhibits that provide insights into the fort’s role in trade and defense during the 19th century.
• Enjoy the scenic desert surroundings and nature.
• Photography – the fort building remains, with the desert landscape, makes for a beautiful photography location.

10. Fort McKavett State Historic Site

Fort McKavett is located in Fort McKavett, Texas. It was established in 1852 to protect settlers and travelers along the San Antonio-El Paso Road during the Indian Wars. This is one of the best preserved examples of a Texas Indian Wars military post.

Things to Do:

• Tour the fort and the restored buildings and structures.
• Visitor center to learn about the military history here.
• Take a self-guided tour to see the old post hospital, officers quarters and military barracks.
• Living history reenactments and special events.

11. Fort Parker

Fort Parker is located in Groesbeck, Texas. This was one of the military outposts established to protect settlers from Native American raids. It is best known for the 1836 capture of the Parker family by Comanche Indians, which is a notable event in Texas history.

Things to Do:

• Explore the fort and its reconstructed and preserved building.
• Visit the museum to view historical exhibits and artifacts and learn about the Parker family.
• Attend the living history events and educational programs and reenactments.

12. Fort Richardson

Fort Richardson is located near Jacksboro, Texas, and was established in 1867. It was a military outpost crucial in protecting settlers during the time and is now a State Park.

Things to Do:

• Visit the old buildings that are still standing and learn about the fort and the people that lived here.
• Take a self-guided walking tour or state park ranger led tour.
• You can camp, hike and fish here. There is even horseback camping and cabins.

13. Fort Sam Houston

Fort Sam Houston is located in San Antonio, Texas. It was stablished in 1845, and is the ninth oldest Army installation in the United States. It was a key post during the Civil War and also a training center for military personnel.

Today, it functions as an active military base and houses the U.S. Army Medical Department Center & School. It has the largest collection of historic structures on any active military installation.

Things to Do:

• Occasionally, the fort offers guided tours and open house events where the public can explore its historic buildings and learn about its history.
• The U.S. Army Medical Department museum offers exhibits on the history of military medicine and the development of medical practices.
• If you can gain access to the base, you can see the historic structures and old housing quarters.

14. Fort Stockton

Fort Stockton is located in Fort Stockton, Texas. It was established in 1859 near Comanche Springs as a military post for the Buffalo soldiers to protect the freight wagons, cattle drives, and emigrants.

Things to Do:

• Tour the historic buildings.
• Take a guided tour about the fort and its history.
• Visit the museum for exhibits featuring military artifacts and historical displays.
• Living History Day is held on the 3rd weekend in October. This is a free educational experience with reenactors, cooking demonstrations, firing demonstrations and more.

Final Thoughts

These forts offer a glimpse into the challenges and stories of Texas’ expansion and the role of the military in safeguarding settlers during the 19th century.

Learning about these fascinating forts will tie in beautifully with a study on westward expansion and the Indian Wars. Your children may want to take their learning a step further by doing some research. You could have them pick a specific battle to study about, or to research who the Buffalo soldiers were.

The Texas Historical Commission has created a Virtual Learning Portal for additional online learning. We also recommend grabbing our free Texas & Old West history printables using the links below.