Fort Leaton State Historic Site facts for kids
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Fort Leaton
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Fort Leaton
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 Fort Leaton
Location in Texas
Fort Leaton
Location in the United States
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| Location | Presidio County, Texas |
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| Nearest city | Presidio, Texas |
| Area | 23.4 acres (9.5 ha) |
| Built | 1848 |
| Built by | Benjamin Leaton |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001972 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 18, 1973 |
The Fort Leaton State Historic Site is a cool place to visit in Presidio County, Texas. It's an old building that started as a home in the early 1800s. Later, a man named Benjamin Leaton bought it in 1848 and turned it into a strong fortress.
Fort Leaton was once the main government office for Presidio County. Over the years, the building saw many changes. It was owned by different people and even left empty for a while. In 1967, the state of Texas took over the site. It officially opened to the public in 1978 as a Texas State Historic Site. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Presidio County, Texas on June 18, 1973, which means it's an important historical landmark.
Contents
Fort Leaton's Story
Fort Leaton was likely built around the 1830s by Juan Bustillos. It was made from adobe, a type of sun-dried brick. In 1848, Benjamin Leaton bought the property. He lived there and also used it as a trading post. It was a safe place, like a fort, for his business.
Benjamin Leaton's Role
Benjamin Leaton was a busy man. He was a trader and moved goods along the Chihuahua Trail. This trail was an important route for trade between Mexico and the United States. Leaton also had a complex relationship with local groups. He traded with Apache and Comanche people.
When Presidio County was created in 1850, Fort Leaton became its first government center. This shows how important the fort was to the area.
Changes Over Time
Benjamin Leaton passed away in 1851. His wife then married Edward Hall, who continued the trading business from the fort. However, Hall faced money troubles and was involved in a dispute with John Burgess. Burgess then took over the fort.
Later, in 1875, Leaton's son was involved in another conflict, and Burgess died. The Burgess family stayed at the fort until 1926, when they left it.
Restoration Efforts
In the 1930s, Marfa State Bank and a private citizen bought the fort. They gave it to Presidio County. There was an attempt to fix up the fort, but they couldn't find enough money.
Eventually, another private citizen bought the site and gave it to the state of Texas. In 1968, it was officially named Fort Leaton State Historic Site. It opened its doors to visitors in 1978.
Fort Leaton was recognized as a historic place on the National Register of Historic Places on June 18, 1973.
Visiting Fort Leaton
Fort Leaton State Historic Site is located on Farm to Market Road 170. It's about 5 miles southeast of Presidio, Texas.
What You Can See and Do
When you visit, you can explore the historic ruins of the fort. There are also nature trails where you can walk and enjoy the outdoors. You'll find exhibits that tell you more about the fort's history.
The site has a picnic area if you want to bring your lunch. There are also public restrooms. You can even visit the Texas State Park Store gift shop to find souvenirs.
Visitor Center Information
The Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center is the main visitor center for Fort Leaton. It also serves as the visitor center for Big Bend Ranch State Park, another cool place nearby.
You can often find wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) in some areas of the site, which is handy for staying connected.
Hours and Admission
Fort Leaton is usually open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every day of the week. However, it is closed on Christmas Day.
There is a small entrance fee to get in. If you want to rent the site for a special event, you need to arrange it beforehand. Guided tours are also available for an extra fee, and group tours should be planned in advance with the Park staff.
