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.