Fort Richardson (Texas) facts for kids

Fort Richardson
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Looking across Fort Richardson's parade ground toward the hospital. The bakery, guardhouse and magazine are visible in the background.
Fort Richardson Location in Texas Show map of Texas Fort Richardson Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Nearest city	Jacksboro, Texas
Area	42 acres (17 ha)
Built	1867 (1867)
NRHP reference No.	66000816
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	October 15, 1966
Designated NHL	November 27, 1963

Fort Richardson was a United States Army base located in Jacksboro, Texas. It was named after Union General Israel B. Richardson. He died during the American Civil War at the Battle of Antietam. The fort was active from 1867 to 1878.

Today, the site is known as Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway. It has some of its original buildings still standing. In 1963, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This was because it played a big part in protecting the northern part of Texas after the Civil War.

A Fort on the Frontier

Fort Richardson helped people move into and settle north-central Texas. It was one of many forts built along the Texas frontier. These forts were meant to protect and encourage new settlements. Other forts in this system included Fort Griffin, Fort Concho, and Fort Belknap. There were also smaller outposts like Camp Wichita near Buffalo Springs.

Choosing the Right Spot

The army first planned to build the fort near Buffalo Springs. This was about 20 miles (32 km) north of where Fort Richardson is now. However, that spot wasn't good for a permanent base. It didn't have enough trees or water. Also, Native American groups often raided the area. In 1862, a whole town called Henrietta was abandoned because it wasn't safe. So, the U.S. 6th Cavalry Regiment decided to move south to the current location of Fort Richardson.

Building a Big Base

Construction of Fort Richardson began in 1867. The U.S. 6th Cavalry Regiment built it on a 300-acre (121 ha) site. It was located along Lost Creek, which flows into the Trinity River. The fort cost $800,000 to build and was ready on November 26, 1867.

Fort Richardson became a very important part of the frontier fort system. It was the last army outpost in North Texas on the military road to Fort Sill. It started as a fort for five army companies. But it grew to hold ten or more companies. In 1872, it had 666 officers and soldiers. This made it the largest U.S. Army base in the country at that time.

Soldiers and Their Duties

Life for soldiers at Fort Richardson was tough. Their daily jobs included long, difficult patrols. They rode across the frontier from Clay and Jack Counties all the way to Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo. Soldiers often fought with Comanche and Kiowa Indians. The U.S. cavalry and infantry units worked to protect settlers and stop attacks.

Units that served at the fort included the 6th Cavalry Regiment and the 4th Cavalry Regiment. The U.S. 11th Infantry Regiment also served there. Parts of the 10th Cavalry Regiment and 24th Infantry Regiment (United States) were also stationed at Fort Richardson. These two were Buffalo Soldier regiments, made up of African American soldiers.

Key Events at the Fort

In 1871, General William T. Sherman visited the fort. He was touring the fort system. He just missed the Warren Wagon Train Raid, a major attack by Native Americans. General Sherman later went to Fort Sill. There, he arrested Kiowa chiefs Satanta and Big Tree. He sent them to Jacksboro for a trial because of their role in the attack. In July 1871, they were found guilty. Their death sentences were later changed to life in prison. They were the first Native Americans to be tried and found guilty in a Texas civilian court.

After these events, General Sherman gave permission to Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie. Mackenzie commanded the 4th Cavalry. He was allowed to start attacks against the Comanche and Kiowa in the Texas Panhandle. One of his scouting groups fought in the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon in September 1874. This was a U.S. victory that helped end the Red River War. The cavalry captured so much of the tribes' supplies. This forced them to move back to reservations in Oklahoma before winter. This battle was a big reason why Comanche and Kiowa raids stopped along the northern frontier.

Fort Richardson Today

After the army won the Red River War, they didn't need Fort Richardson anymore. So, the fort was closed on May 23, 1878. For a short time, it was used as a school for Native American children. The 55 buildings, many made of stone, slowly fell apart.

Thanks to a group of people from Jacksboro, the fort was saved. In 1963, it was named a state historic site. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began to manage it. In 1968, big repair projects started. In 1973, it opened again as Fort Richardson State Historic Park.

Today, it is called Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway. Visitors can explore seven original buildings that have been restored. These include the hospital, officers' quarters, and the powder magazine. You can also see the morgue, commissary, guardhouse, and bakery. There are also two new buildings that look like the old barracks. These house the Interpretive Center. You can take guided tours of the buildings every day.

Gallery

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  Fort Richardson Texas Historical Marker

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  Fort Richardson Hospital

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  Fort Richardson Pharmacy

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  Fort Richardson Period Map

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  Fort Richardson Officer's Quarters Texas Historical Marker

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  Fort Richardson Hospital Texas Historical Marker