Fort Davis National Historic Site

Address:101 Lt. Henry Flipper Drive
Fort Davis, Texas
Tel: (432) 426-3224

Explore one of America's best surviving examples of an Indian War frontier military post in the Southwest United States. Visited annually by more than 60,000 people, Fort Davis allows visitors to experience the reality of frontier military life and service in the late 19th century.

Fort Davis played major roles in the development of the western states. It protected emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the San Antonio-El Paso Road and the Chihuahua Trail and controlled activities on the southern stem of the Great Comanche and Mescalero Apache war trails. Fort Davis is also significant in understanding the presence of African Americans in the West and in the frontier military—four all-black regiments established after the Civil War were stationed at this post. Today, visitors can see a 15 minute video on the history of the fort at the visitors' center and take a self-guided tour of the five buildings that have been restored and refurnished. As you explore the 100 ruins, listen up for real bugle calls and the interpreters dressed in period clothing, stationed at some of these buildings during the summer months and spring-break. Visitors are also invited to enjoy the area trails, which lead to a spectacular overlook of the fort and connect with trails of the Davis Mountains State Park. Set aside 1 to 2 hours to enjoy all of the beauty and history here at Fort Davis.

From San Antonio, take I-10 west to Balmorhea. Get off at Highway 17 south and take it all the way to Fort Davis. You and your family will have a great time getting up close and personal with a battle fort that helped paved the way for westward expansion—have fun at Fort Davis!