Fort Chadbourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Fort Chadbourne
|
|
Fort Chadbourne barracks
|
|
 Fort Chadbourne
Location in Texas
Fort Chadbourne
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Bronte, Texas |
|---|---|
| Area | 22.5 acres (9.1 ha) |
| Built | 1852 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001962 |
| Added to NRHP | April 2, 1973 |
Fort Chadbourne was an important fort built by the United States Army. It was set up on October 28, 1852, in an area that is now Coke County, Texas. The main goal of the fort was to protect the western frontier of Texas. It also guarded the Butterfield Overland Mail route, which was a vital mail and passenger service.
The fort was named after Lieutenant T.L. Chadbourne. He was a brave soldier who died in the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. Soldiers from Companies A and K of the 8th U.S. Infantry defended the fort. During the early days of the American Civil War, the fort was taken over by the Confederates on February 28, 1861. This happened even before the famous attack on Fort Sumter, South Carolina. However, federal troops returned and occupied the fort again from 1865 to 1867.
Fort Chadbourne was part of a larger system of frontier forts. These forts were built to protect settlers and travelers in Texas and nearby areas. Other forts in this system included Griffin, Concho, Belknap, and Richardson. There were also forts like Stockton, Davis, and Bliss. This network of forts helped keep the peace and supported westward expansion.
Meetings with Native American Leaders
A man named Robert Neighbors played a key role in communicating with Native American groups. He met with leaders of the southern Comanches near Fort Chadbourne. This important meeting lasted for ten days, starting on August 24, 1853. During this time, they talked about many important topics for the Comanche people.
In 1856, Neighbors also spoke with Seth Eastman, who was a captain at the fort. Eastman was in charge of the Brazos Indian Reservation. They discussed problems caused by Comanche raids in the area. These talks were important for trying to find peaceful solutions.
Preserving Fort Chadbourne
Fort Chadbourne is recognized as a Texas state historical site. In 1973, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical location in the United States. Its special number on the register is #73001962.
Today, a small community named Fort Chadbourne, Texas, exists a few miles southwest of the original fort site. The fort itself is preserved so people can learn about its history.
Images for kids
-
Fort Chadbourne officer's quarters
-
Fort Chadbourne Texas Historical Marker
-
Fort Chadbourne reconstructed stage station
-
Fort Chadbourne museum
See also
- Texas Forts Trail
- Forts of Texas
