Fort McIntosh, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Fort McIntosh
|
|
Fort McIntosh
|
|
 Fort McIntosh
Location in Texas
Fort McIntosh
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Laredo Junior College campus, Laredo, Texas |
|---|---|
| Area | 193.8 acres (78.4 ha) |
| Built | 1853 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002011 |
| Added to NRHP | June 25, 1975 |
Fort McIntosh was an important U.S. Army base located in Laredo, Texas. It served as a military post for nearly 100 years, from 1849 to 1946. Today, the land where the fort once stood is part of the Laredo Community College campus.
This fort was first set up on March 3, 1849. Soldiers from the 1st US Infantry, led by Lt. E.L. Viele, built it. Their job was to protect the Texas border, especially at a key river crossing point. At first, it was called Camp Crawford. But in 1850, its name was changed to Fort McIntosh. This was to honor Lieutenant Colonel James Simmons McIntosh. He was a brave soldier during the Mexican–American War.
Contents
A Look Back: Fort McIntosh History
Early Days and the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, the soldiers from the United States Army left Fort McIntosh. A battle known as the Battle of Laredo happened near the fort on March 19, 1864. In this fight, 72 local defenders stopped three attacks from about 200 federal soldiers. After the war, on October 23, 1865, U.S. troops returned to the fort.
Famous Soldiers and Other Forts
In the late 1800s, several African-American army units were stationed at Fort McIntosh. One of the most famous groups was the 10th Cavalry, also known as the "Buffalo Soldiers." These soldiers played a big role in protecting the American frontier.
Fort McIntosh was part of a larger system of forts. Other forts in Texas included Fort Griffin, Fort Concho, Fort Belknap, Fort Chadbourne, Fort Stockton, Fort Davis, Fort Bliss, Fort McKavett, Fort Clark, Fort Richardson, Fort Inge, and Fort Phantom Hill. There was also Fort Sill in Oklahoma. These forts helped keep the peace and protect settlers.
World Wars and Beyond
During World War I, Fort McIntosh became a training center. More than 15,000 new soldiers trained there. In World War II, different military groups used the fort. These included the 8th Service Command and the 56th Cavalry Brigade. The Civil Air Patrol and a group of military police also used the facility.
Fort McIntosh was officially closed in 1946. The land then became part of the main campus for Laredo Community College. Today, the Laredo United States Army Reserve 340th Quarter Master Company is still located within the old fort area.
Fort McIntosh: A Historic Place
Fort McIntosh was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. The fort is known for its architecture from 1850-1924, called Late Victorian Architecture. It is also important for its military history.
All the buildings at Fort McIntosh have been saved and updated. They are now used as classrooms and offices for Laredo Community College. For example, the old officers' barracks is now a building called Arechiga Hall. It is named after Domingo Arechiga, a former president of the college.
Gallery
-
Texas Historical Marker
-
Texas Historical Marker for barracks
-
Officers Row
-
NCO row
-
Hospital
-
This monument honors all the fallen at Fort McIntosh Cemetery; no individual graves remain.
Aerial View
