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 located right on Farm to Market Road 170. This historic site was once a private home built a long time ago in the early 1800s.
In 1848, a man named Benjamin Leaton bought the building. He turned it into a strong fortress and a trading post. Fort Leaton even served as the very first government center for Presidio County! Over the years, the fort had many different owners. It faced tough times, including financial problems and periods when it was left empty.
In 1967, the fort was given to the state of Texas. It officially opened to the public in 1978 as a Texas State Historic Site. Because of its important history, Fort Leaton was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Presidio County, Texas on June 18, 1973.
Contents
Fort Leaton's Story
Early Beginnings and Benjamin Leaton
People believe that Fort Leaton started as an adobe house around the 1830s. A person named Juan Bustillos likely built it. Then, in 1848, Benjamin Leaton bought the property. He lived there and used it as a busy trading post. He also made it into a strong fort to protect his business and family.
Benjamin Leaton was a trader and moved goods along the Chihuahua Trail. This was an important route for trade between Mexico and the United States. He traded with different groups of people. When Presidio County was created in 1850, Fort Leaton became its first official government office.
Changes in Ownership
Benjamin Leaton passed away in 1851. His wife later married Edward Hall, who continued the trading business from the fort. Over the years, the fort changed hands many times. It went through periods of financial trouble and was sometimes left empty.
The Burgess family lived in the fort until they left it in 1926. In the 1930s, a bank and a private citizen bought the fort. They then gave it to Presidio County. There was an effort to fix up the fort, but they couldn't find enough money. Later, another private citizen bought the site and donated it to the state of Texas.
Becoming a Historic Site
In 1968, the site was officially named the Fort Leaton State Historic Site. After more work, it finally opened its doors to visitors in 1978. This allowed everyone to learn about its unique past. The fort was recognized for its historical value on June 18, 1973. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Visiting Fort Leaton
Location and What to See
The Fort Leaton State Historic Site is easy to find. It's located on Farm to Market Road 170. You'll find it about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of the town of Presidio, Texas.
When you visit, you can explore the historic ruins of the fort. There are also nature trails to walk along and exhibits to teach you about the area's history. You can enjoy a picnic in the picnic area. Public restrooms are available for visitors. There's even a Texas State Park Store gift shop on the grounds where you can find souvenirs.
Visitor Center and Wi-Fi
The Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center is the main visitor center. It serves both Fort Leaton State Historic Site and Big Bend Ranch State Park. This center helps you learn more about both amazing places. You can also find wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) in some parts of the site.
Hours and Fees
Fort Leaton is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The only day it is closed is on Christmas Day. There is a small entrance fee to visit the site. 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. If you're coming with a group, make sure to coordinate your tour with the Park in advance.
See also
- Museums in West Texas
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Presidio County, Texas
