Scattered across the state from the Red River to the Rio Grande River, are the remains of of a once a formidable military presence on the frontier -- Texas' nineteenth-century forts. Though the Texas Forts Trail can't possibly cover the more than four dozen old forts and presidios across the vast Lone Star State, this 650 mile Scenic Byway certainly provides and glimpse into many of these lonely outposts once situated on the  dangerous and hills and dales of central Texas.

From 1848 to 1900, the U.S. Army built 44 major posts and set up more than 100 temporary camps in Texas. In addition to the many military forts established by the U.S. Army, a number of earlier Republic-era forts, private bastions, and Spanish Presidios were built and abandoned across Texas. Today, these many sites range from ghostly ruins, to historically accurate reconstructions, to nothing but a historical marker to identify their locations. 

During the 19th Century, settlers streamed west on to the advancing frontier, invading the territorial lands of the Native Americans who had long called the land their homes. Resentful of the influx of white settlers upon their domain, the Kiowa, Comanche, and other Plains Indians fought back in raids and attacks on caravans and settlements. But, the encroaching settlers were not to be deterred and continued of invade Texas, assisted and protected by the many soldiers stationed at the frontier posts.

The Texas Forts Trail follows a path that provides visitors with a peek into the lives of pioneers, soldiers, and Native Americans that helped to establish the Lone Star State. The trail provides a virtual road to eight of the state’s remarkable frontier forts of West in Central Texas, as well as a number of other interesting destinations, including state parks, some 20 lakes, seven state parks, and dozens of museums.

More Information:

Texas Forts Trail

3702 Loop 322
Abilene, Texas 79602
325-795-1762