A Behind the Scenes Look Into Traveling
the Texas Forts Trail
“It’s the Little Things”
“It’s the little things we sometimes miss that really connect our
experiences and cause them to be so special. The behind the scenes
views that can change a story if we are willing to look for them.”
Let’s take a trip down the trail!
The J.K. Gordon Center pictured on the left now welcomes visitors to Thurber, Texas, where famous Thurber bricks were made.
These same Thurber bricks were used to
pave parts of the Bankhead
Highway, that stretched from
Washington, D.C. to San Diego,
California.
Part of the Bankhead Highway in Strawn, Texas.
Conrad Hilton’s Mobley Hotel in Cisco, Texas was the first location of the now famous Hilton Hotel empire.
Other Hilton Hotels began to pop up along the trail such as the Cactus Hotel in San Angelo, Texas. Cactus Entryway
Mobley Bedroom
Fort Belknap was established in 1851 as a northern anchor on the Texas frontier
line of defense.
A handful of buildings remain in the park-like setting, and a museum in the old
commissary chronicles frontier history.
Not far from Ft. Belknap, in Graham, Tx, is The Wildcatter Ranch where guests can have an authentic
Texas ranch experience, combined with upscale accommodations. P.S.- You’re not an official guest
until you “kiss” the longhorn!
The Wildcatter Ranch
Located in the center of the downtown square in
Graham, Texas. The Museumand Art Center is well known for its history,
its historic collections, and its nationally
recognized fine art exhibits displayed in the
historic post office.
The town of Graham came into being because two brothers purchased a salt works and the town sprung up around the enterprise. The salt mine’s grinding stone is displayed to showcase Grahams’s historic roots.
Graham, Texas
Fort Griffin Fort Griffin, established along
the westernmost frontlines during the state’s battle to bring its lands under control, held command over the southern plains
Fort Richardson, established in 1868 as the northernmost army outpost in Texas, anchored the defensive line of fortifications built across the Texas frontier.
Texas Historic Forts
Fort Richardson
Gems of the Hill Country
Tucked away in the Hill Country of Mason, Texas, lies
a gem very special to the state. In fact, it is the state
gem, the topaz.
In 1977, Texas legislature designated the Lone Star cut
as the official gemstone cut of Texas, and you can find gems
in Mason County with this special star delicately cut into
them.
Presidio de San Saba On the banks of the San Saba River outside of the present-day town of Menard,Tx, lie the ruins of the largest and most important military installation in Texas during the 18th century.
Jim Bowie, defender of the Alamo, carved his initials in the stone wall on the right side of the entrance.
Fort McKavett
Atop a remote hill, the remains of a 150-year-old fort beckon
visitors to one of the best preserved examples of a Texas
Indian Wars (1850–1875) military post.
Challenge coins given in recognition for special
achievement of shooting the cannon.
The Concho Pearl The “Concho Pearl” can only be found in the freshwater rivers and lakes surrounding San Angelo, Texas. It’s produced by a distinctive muscle known as the Tampico Pearly Mollusk. Concho Pearls can range in color from purple, lavender, pinks, and orange.
Texas Historic Forts
Ft. Chadbourne
Ft. Concho
Ft. Phantom Hill
In 1851, the site served as a frontier garrison, including a stint under Confederate control and as a stagecoach and mail stop. The 9th U.S. Cavalry, a unit of the famous Buffalo Soldiers, fought Comanche and Kiowa Indian forces here in 1869.
Fort Concho, established in 1867 on the banks of
the Concho River, served as regimental
headquarters for some of the most recognized frontier units in Texas
history, including the 10th Cavalry, better known as
the Buffalo Soldiers.
The history surrounding Fort Chadbourne runs in many directions. The military years blend together with the Native Americans striving to hold on to their homeland. John Butterfield chose the post as a major stop for his Overland Mail Company because of the protection it held.