Fort Graham facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Graham
Archeological & Park Site
Fort Graham Reconstructed Barracks
Fort Graham Location in Texas
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Hill
U.S. Army Fort	March 27, 1849
Elevation	536 ft (163 m)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (MDT)

Fort Graham was an important pioneer fort built in 1849 in Hill County, Texas. It was set up by Major R.A. Arnold and his soldiers, who were part of the Second United States Dragoons. Dragoons were soldiers who rode horses but also fought on foot. The fort was built near Jose Maria Village, which was a camp for the Anadaca people.

Fort Graham was part of a line of seven army posts created between 1848 and 1849. These forts were built after the Mexican War to protect settlers moving into West Texas. Other forts in this line included Fort Worth, Fort Gates, Fort Croghan, Fort Martin Scott, Fort Lincoln, and Fort Duncan.

The fort was named after Colonel William M. Graham. He was a brave soldier who died during the Battle of Molino del Rey. Fort Graham served its purpose until 1853. By then, more people had moved further west, so the fort was no longer needed in that spot.

Bringing Fort Graham Back to Life

Rebuilding a Piece of History

In 1936, a special group called the Texas Centennial Commission helped bring Fort Graham back to life. They gave Hill County $6,700 to buy the land where the old fort once stood. Their goal was to rebuild one of the original fort buildings. This helped people remember the fort's important role in Texas history.

Fort Graham and Lake Whitney

In 1953, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took over the fort site. This happened as part of a big project to create Lake Whitney. For many years, the Corps operated a park at the site, just as the 1936 agreement stated.

However, in 1982, Hill County had to decide whether to lease the property or lose this important historical place.

Saving Fort Graham for the Future

Community Efforts to Preserve the Fort

In 1983, a group of local citizens, led by Mrs. Selma Hill, worked hard to save the fort. They raised $15,000 to move the reconstructed building to a new spot. They were determined to keep the fort safe.

At that time, the building was almost old enough to be listed on the National Register. This listing would have given it special protection and required the Corps to help preserve it. However, the citizens were not told about this possibility.

Challenges and Continued Care

The people of Hill County continued to take care of the fort site until 2002. Then, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asked the county to spend at least $60,000 to improve the area. Hill County did not have enough money for this large expense. Because of this, they had to give up their lease on the property.

Fort Graham Preservation Society

The Fort Graham Preservation Society, Inc. is a non-profit group. They were formed to make sure that the story and memory of Fort Graham are never forgotten. This society is currently working with government agencies at both federal and county levels. Their main goal is to preserve and improve Fort Graham Park and its important archeological site for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Images for kids

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  Fort Graham building "reconstructed, moved and rebuilt" marker

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  Fort Graham Historical Marker