Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis, Texas

We chose this park because we enjoyed it so much last time. Tucked into a pretty little canyon, it’s a pleasant place. Again, a mule deer was grazing next to our campsite as dusk approached. I thought this was accidental last time, but I’m beginning to suspect they check out all the campsites looking for goodies. The van makes an excellent wildlife blind!

Campsite Visitor

Fort Davis

This National HIstoric Site protects and restores the buildings of the fort, established in 1854 to safeguard the West Texas frontier against the Apaches and Comanches. We were surprised to see the fort spread over open ground with no walls or stockade. Since it was built in a box canyon, it is well protected.

View of the fort from the old road
View of the fort from the old road

 

Six of the buildings are furnished, and a few others are restored. Many are stabilized, and there are lots of foundations which are also protected. The photo above shows foundations and some walls of an enlisted men’s barracks, with officers’ quarters in the background. A closer view of the officers’ quarters is below.

Officers Quarters
Officers Quarters

 

One of the furnished buildings was another enlisted men’s barracks. The beds are designed for easy disassembly.  Each man had a footlocker stored next to the head of his bed, and a section of shelf with a few pegs for gear. Two wood stoves provided warmth, and racks of rifles between the stoves aided quick mobilization.

Enlisted Men's Barracks
Enlisted Men’s Barracks