Standing atop a windswept remote hill, the remains of a 150-year-old West Texas fort beckon curious visitors to the site that is now considered one of the best preserved and most intact examples of a Texas Indian Wars (1850–1875) military post. Take in the spectacular Hill Country vistas and experience the history of early West Texas life through the real stories of the infantrymen, Buffalo Soldiers, women, and children who lived at what Gen. William T. Sherman once described as "the prettiest post in Texas." Restored structures include the officers’ quarters, barracks, hospital, school house, dead house, sink, and post headquarters. In addition, there are ruins of several buildings, most notably the commanding officer’s quarters, which burned in 1941, and the barracks along the north side of the parade ground, which once was the longest building west of the Mississippi River.

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Location

7066 FM 864  
Fort McKavett, TX 76841 
325-396-2358 
Contact us
See map

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Hours

Open Daily
8 a.m.–5 p.m. 

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Tickets

Adult $5
Senior/Veteran/Teacher/First Responder $3
Child (6-17) $2
Child (5 and under) Free
Family (2 adults & 1 child) $8, each additional child $1

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Programs

School Tours 
Group Tours 
Living History 

Visitors being photographed by a site educator

Plan Your Visit

At Fort McKavett State Historic Site, visitors travel into the past viewing restored structures of a military fort that was established in 1852.

Buffalo Soldiers during a living history event

Fort McKavett History

In March 1852, the 8th U.S. Infantry established Fort McKavett to protect West Texas settlers and serve as a rest stop for California-bound immigrants. 

Events at Fort McKavett

A black and white photograph of a black U.S. Army soldier in 19th Century dress uniform holding a plumed dress helmet and wearing decorative cords across his chest

Emmanuel Stance: A Fort McKavett Hero

Learn about the first Buffalo Soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor during his service at Fort McKavett!

A black and white photograph of a 19th Century wild west town on the raised bank of a river with several ramshackle huts and buildings

"The Rapid Discharge of Firearms": The Skirmish at Scabtown

Come learn about the "wild west" at Fort McKavett. With outlaws, sheriff posses, and soldiers, hear about the Skirmish at Scabtown!