Discovering US: Fort Davis National Park

During our stay at Fort Davis State Park, we visited Fort Davis National Park. When we visited the Park we learned that in 1854, Fort Davis was named in honor of the Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis. During the mid 1800's, thousands of people began heading west to California in search of gold. The Army built this Fort to protect the travelers, and the mail carriers from the Comanche and Apache Indians. Before it was abandoned in 1891, this Fort was said to have over 400 enlisted men and officers stationed here. During the mid to late 1800's it was said that Fort Davis was one of the largest Forts on the frontier.

Fountains from the enlisted men's quarters of 1855.

Mail Wagon at Fort Davis National Park

In 1855, Second Lieutenant Zenas R. Bliss, Eighth U.S. Infantry said this about the fort. "The Post was the most beautifully situated of any that I have ever seen. It was in a narrow canyon with perpendicular sides. The walls of which were about 200 feet in height." It is amazing that 155 years later, it is still beautiful. The canyon walls still tower over the fort as if now the Fort is protected by nature. The Park system is busy refurbishing several of the building and we had the privilege of watching them reinforce the walls of one of the buildings.

Fort Davis National Park inside the canyon

We only spent about an hour here because we were planning on coming back for the children to complete their Jr. Ranger Program. However, we did not get to go back for another visit. Therefore, this is another one of the places we hope to return one day.