Fort Duncan facts for kids
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Fort Duncan
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Fort Duncan 1887
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 Fort Duncan
Location in Texas
Fort Duncan
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by Monroe and Garrison Sts,. city limits on the S, and the Rio Grande on the W, Eagle Pass, Texas |
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| Area | 100 acres (40 ha) |
| Built | 1849 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000954 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 9, 1971 |
Fort Duncan was an important United States Army base. It was built to protect the first U.S. settlement along the Rio Grande. This settlement was near what is now Eagle Pass, Texas.
Contents
History of Fort Duncan
Building the Fort
After the Mexican War ended in 1848, the U.S. Army built a line of seven forts. These forts were meant to protect settlers moving into West Texas. Fort Duncan was one of these important forts.
It was officially started on March 27, 1849. Captain Sidney Burbank and his soldiers set up camp there. On November 14, 1849, the post was named Fort Duncan. It honored Colonel James Duncan, a hero from the Mexican–American War.
Life at the Fort
The fort had several buildings, including a storehouse and two places to keep ammunition. There were also homes for officers and a stone hospital. Soldiers and hired workers built these structures. It was tough because there was plenty of stone but no wood for building.
During the 1850s, Fort Duncan helped protect traders and settlers. It kept them safe from outlaws and some Native American groups. The fort also served as a base for scouting missions.
Key Events and People
In 1854, several famous lieutenants were stationed at Fort Duncan. They included Philip Sheridan and Albert J. Myer, who had just graduated from West Point.
Fort Duncan played a role in an event on October 2, 1855. Texas Ranger Captain James H. Callahan tried to capture people who had escaped slavery. He faced Mexican troops and Seminoles. Captain Burbank used Fort Duncan's cannons to help Callahan's group retreat safely across the Rio Grande.
Abandonment and Reoccupation
The fort was ordered to be left empty in May 1859. However, Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee ordered soldiers back to the fort in March 1860. This happened during a time of conflict called the Cortina Troubles. At this time, the fort had about 25 buildings, mostly made of stone and adobe with thatched roofs.
General David E. Twiggs ordered the fort to be emptied again on February 21, 1861. This was just before the American Civil War began. Major William H. French managed to move soldiers from Fort Duncan to forts in Florida.
During the Civil War, soldiers from the Confederate Army took over the fort. They renamed it Rio Grande Station. It became a very important place for sending cotton into Mexico.
After the Civil War
Federal troops returned to Fort Duncan on March 23, 1868. The 41st Infantry was led by Lieutenant Colonel William R. Shafter. Other units, including the 9th Cavalry, also known as "Buffalo soldiers," were stationed there.
The 25th Infantry arrived in 1870. The Black Seminole Scouts were also formed at the fort. They were led by officers like Lieutenant John L. Bullis.
Fort Duncan was finally left empty for good on August 31, 1883.
Camp at Eagle Pass
A New Military Post
A new military post, called Camp at Eagle Pass, was set up on April 3, 1886. It was a smaller outpost of Fort Clark. This camp stayed active until February 1927.
The 3rd Texas Volunteer Infantry was based here from 1898 to 1899. The camp was ordered to be closed in 1904. However, a small group from the Signal Corps was placed there in 1911. This was because Mexico was going through a revolution.
Modern Military Use
The National Guard was called to the camp in 1916. They joined the Coast Artillery Corps. From 1919 to 1920, the 90th Aero Squadron flew DH-4B planes from the camp. Famous pilot Jimmy Doolittle was part of this squadron.
After 1922, only a few people stayed to look after the hospital. The camp officially closed in 1927.
Military Aviation History
Fort Duncan also has a special place in aviation history. On March 3, 1911, Benjamin Foulois and Philip Orin Parmelee made history. They flew the U.S. military's first cross-country scouting flight. They flew from Laredo to Fort Duncan in a Wright Model B plane. They covered 106 miles in two hours, flying at 800 feet high.
Preserving Fort Duncan
Fort Duncan Park
In 1933, the City of Eagle Pass Parks and Recreation Department started taking care of the old fort. They wanted to make it a public park. The city officially bought the property in 1938. They turned it into Fort Duncan Park.
During World War II in 1942, the mayor offered the fort to the military again. The government used the Fort Duncan Country Club as an officers' club. The swimming pool was used by military personnel stationed at Eagle Pass Army Air Field.
Fort Duncan Today
The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Seven of the original buildings from the fort still stand today. In the early 1980s, the Fort Duncan Country Club caught fire. Only its outer walls remain.
The Commander's Headquarters building has been turned into the Fort Duncan Museum. It has exhibits about the local area and the fort's history. You can see many interesting artifacts there.
Gallery
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Texas historical marker, CSA
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Texas historical marker
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Texas Historical marker for barracks
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Fort Duncan Headquarter and Museum
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Museum 19th century infantry hat, or shako
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Museum 19th century cavalry hat
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Museum John Deere plow
See also
