Fort Martin Scott facts for kids
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Fort Martin Scott
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Restored officer quarters at Fort Martin Scott
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 Fort Martin Scott
Location in Texas
Fort Martin Scott
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Fredericksburg, Texas |
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| Area | 23 acres (9.3 ha) |
| Built | 1847 |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004121 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 20, 1980 |
Fort Martin Scott is an old United States Army fort near Fredericksburg, Texas. It is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This fort was used by soldiers from December 1848 to April 1853. It was one of many forts built to keep travelers and settlers safe in Texas.
Contents
Building the Fort
After the Mexican War (1846-1848), the army built a line of seven forts. These forts were meant to protect settlers moving into West Texas. Fort Martin Scott was one of these important forts. Other forts in this line included Fort Worth and Fort Duncan.
The fort started as Camp Houston on December 5, 1848. Soldiers from Company D, 1st Regiment of Infantry, arrived from Minnesota. Later, other army companies came and went. The camp was called Camp Chadbourne for a short time. Then it was known as "Camp near Fredericksburg."
The camp was about 2 miles (3 km) southeast of Fredericksburg. It grew to have 21 buildings. Soldiers from the fort patrolled the roads and areas nearby. Their main job was to protect settlers from attacks by Native American tribes.
In December 1849, the camp was renamed Fort Martin Scott. It was named after Major Martin Scott. He was a brave officer who died in the Mexican–American War in 1847.
As more settlers moved west, Fort Martin Scott became less important. The army moved many soldiers to new forts further west. For example, some soldiers from Fort Martin Scott helped set up Fort Mason. A small group of soldiers stayed behind to look after the fort's supplies.
In 1853, army inspectors suggested closing the fort. The army officially closed Fort Martin Scott in December 1853.
Important Treaties
Soldiers and leaders at or near Fort Martin Scott were involved in important agreements with Native American tribes. These treaties aimed to create peace and set rules for living together.
Meusebach Treaty
Before Fort Martin Scott was built, an important treaty was signed on May 9, 1847. This was the Treaty Between the Comanche and the German Immigration Company. John O. Meusebach led the talks for the German settlers.
This treaty focused on the land between the Llano River and the San Saba River. It helped the Penateka Comanche tribe and the German immigrants live peacefully in that area.
Fort Martin Scott Treaty
Another treaty, called the Fort Martin Scott Treaty, was signed on December 10, 1850. It was signed by U.S. Army officers, Texas Rangers, and chiefs from several tribes. These included the Comanche, Caddo, Lipan, Quapaw, Tawakoni, and Waco tribes.
Even though it was named after Fort Martin Scott, the treaty was actually signed in San Saba County. This treaty tried to put the tribes under the care of the United States government. It set rules for trade and said that alcohol could not be given to the tribes.
The treaty also asked the tribes to stay peaceful with each other and the U.S. government. They were asked to return stolen items and captives. In return, the government offered to set up trading posts and provide blacksmiths and teachers.
After the Army Left
After the army closed Fort Martin Scott, the land was used by others.
Braeutigam Family
In 1870, the Braeutigam family moved into the abandoned Fort Martin Scott. Johann Wolfgang Braeutigam and his family had moved to Texas from Germany. They used the fort's buildings for their home and business.
Fort Martin Scott Today
Today, Fort Martin Scott is a special historical site. It was named a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1936. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
The city of Fredericksburg now runs the fort. You can take self-guided walking tours to explore the site. Guided tours and school tours can also be arranged. The fort is located at 1606 East Main Street (Highway 290). It is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday.
There are also plans to build a Texas Rangers Heritage Center next to Fort Martin Scott. This center will teach visitors about the history of the Texas Rangers, Fort Martin Scott, and Gillespie County.
Gallery
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Fort Martin Scott plan
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Historical marker
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Fort Martin Scott - tree & building (in 2015)
See also
