FORT DAVIS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Fort Davis National Historic Site is the big attraction in the area, where an entire park has been developed to showcase the history of the area. The fort was built by the U.S. Army in the heart of the Davis Range in 1854. Soon after, dozens of entrepreneurs set up store on the site. The post was an essential lookout point for stabilizing the area and protecting gold seekers and all American citizens who set out to venture further west along the San Antonio to El Paso highway. At the time, the Indians, Apaches and Comanches, were not at all satisfied with this situation. Conflicts between native peoples and settlers were numerous. Abandoned during the Civil War (1861-1865), the fort was put back into service in 1867 and became the headquarters of the Buffalo Soldiers regiments, meaning the black soldiers who fought in the Unionist troops during the Civil War. It remained open until 1891 and the appearance of the railroad. Since then, Fort Davis has been a meeting place for many local farmers and a few visitors looking for a rest and interested in history. All that remains today are ruins and a few renovated walls. But the museum recreates the atmosphere of the military fort of that time. The main attractions are the hiking trails and the museum.