Fort Davis National Historic Site
Curious about life at a frontier military post? Wondering what it would have been like to serve in the military at a remote post in the Southwest during the Indian Wars? Then Fort Davis National Historic Site in Texas should be on your list of parks to visit this summer. It is one of the best examples of a frontier fort in the Southwest. Fort Davis is widely recognized for its role in the history of the “Buffalo Soldiers,” African-Americans who served in the frontier Army. Undeveloped and historic views help tell the story of Army life on the American frontier. The views at Fort Davis are just as much a part of the experience as the fort itself. Wide-open vistas help park visitors experience the frontier as the soldiers did in the nineteenth century.
But these important views were threatened recently when a prominent bluff behind the historic fort went on the market. This 38-acre tract is only 250 feet from the boundary of the fort—and if a developer were to purchase the land and build commercial or residential buildings, it would mar the park’s scenic views and diminish the park’s historic character.
To protect the park and visitor experience, NPCA’s Texas office took action. We worked with the Friends of Fort Davis National Historic Site, the local chapter of The Conservation Fund, as well as county officials and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. We engaged the congressional delegation, and generated front-page news articles about the development threat. And we’re pleased to tell you that we won!
The 38-acre tract of land is now in the hands of a conservation buyer, as opposed to a developer. This is a great victory of which we can all be proud, and a vital first step towards protecting, in perpetuity, the entire western view shed of the park and preserving the fort’s historic character against non-compatible development.
NPCA will work with Congress to secure funding to purchase the land from the conservation buyer and donate the tract to the National Park Service. And thanks to the leadership of Representative Ciro Rodriguez, legislation to expand the Fort Davis boundary to add the adjacent, 38-acre tract to the park will soon be introduced.
If You Go > > Take a Hike! Trails lead to a spectacular overlook of the fort and connect with trails in Davis Mountains State Park. Ask for a trail map in the Visitor Center.
Watch the Slideshow > >
You Can Help
We have an opportunity to protect the viewshed at Fort Davis NHS. The Conservation Fund has stepped in to purchase the land. The park needs your help. Funds can be mailed to the Texas chapter of the Conservation Fund for use at Fort Davis. Please write "Fort Davis" in the memo section of your check. Please send to:
The Conservation Fund
C/O/ Andy Jones
101 West 6th Street
Suite 601
Austin, TX 78701
