Fort Davis, located in West Texas, is one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th-century military outpost, playing a crucial role in the defense and development of the American frontier. Established in 1854, the fort was strategically positioned to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and traders traveling along the San Antonio-El Paso Road from Apache and Comanche raids. During the Civil War, it was briefly abandoned but was later reoccupied and expanded by the Buffalo Soldiers, African American regiments that played a vital role in securing the region. The fort remained active until 1891, after which it was abandoned and later designated as a National Historic Site in 1961. Today, Fort Davis stands as a testament to the complex history of westward expansion, military strategy, and the diverse groups who shaped the American Southwest.
Fort Davis National Historic Site
