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Forts of Texas facts for kids

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The Forts of Texas are a collection of historic military bases and strongholds. For over 200 years, many different groups fought for control of the land we now call Texas. Countries like Spain, France, Mexico, the United States, the Republic of Texas, and the Confederate States of America all claimed this region. Different groups of people, including Native American tribes, Mexican families, and American settlers, also argued over who owned specific lands.

People also fought over important resources like land for farming or hunting. These groups included Native American hunters, farmers, ranchers, traders, and even revolutionaries. To protect their claims and control, various groups built military camps, forts, and strongholds. These included simple palisades (fences of pointed logs), stockades (enclosures), and blockhouses (small, strong forts).

Early Exploration and Forts

Long ago, both France and Spain wanted to claim Texas. They sent explorers to map the land. The Spanish built many missions, which were like churches and communities. The French built and moved a fort called Fort St. Louis several times. During this time, simple forts were built to protect the French and Spanish from each other. They also protected explorers from local Native American tribes who didn't want them there.

Some forts from this time include:

Spanish Missions and Presidios

In the 1600s and 1700s, the main way Spain settled Texas was by building missions. Many of these missions had defenses to protect their people and buildings. Important missions were often supported by nearby Spanish army forts called presidios. These presidios helped keep the peace and protect the Spanish settlers.

Missions with strong connections to forts or military actions include:

Presidios and forts from this period include:

Texas Revolution Forts

Before the Texas Revolution, Mexico built some new forts in Texas. They wanted to control or limit how many American settlers moved into the area. During and right after the Revolution, the Texians (Texans fighting for independence) built many forts. These forts helped defend Texas towns and cities from Mexican forces.

Important forts from this time include:

Mexican-American War Forts

After the Republic of Texas joined the United States, the US and Mexico disagreed about where their border was. The United States Army built new forts along the disputed border. These military disagreements eventually led to the Mexican–American War.

Forts from this period include:

Defending Against Native Americans

From the very first explorations, Native American tribes were concerned about newcomers. This was especially true for American settlers in the 1800s as they moved west. While some Native American groups in East Texas were moved or became part of the new settlements, others strongly resisted. The Comanche and Apache tribes were especially known for their resistance.

In the 1800s, the Texas Rangers were key in protecting American settlements. The Rangers had many posts, often called "forts," even if they weren't heavily fortified like traditional military forts.

There were three main periods of concern. In the mid-1800s, the US Army protected settlements in eastern, central, and South Texas from Native American conflicts. During the Civil War, local Texas groups protected the state from both Native Americans and Mexican bandits. In the late 1800s, the US Army protected settlements in West Texas from Native Americans. During this later time, some Texas forts were home to the famous Buffalo Soldiers, who were African American soldiers.

Forts from these periods include:

Many famous generals from the American Civil War were stationed at Texas forts before the war. For example, Robert E. Lee was at the Alamo and Fort Mason.

Civil War Forts

When the American Civil War began, US Army forts in Texas were left empty or given up. Some were then used by local Texas forces to protect against Native American attacks. The Confederate States Army also opened several camps for training new soldiers.

Only a few forts were specifically prepared for battles between the Confederates and the Union army and navy. These included:

Also, many earthwork defenses and gun batteries were built to protect Galveston. This city changed hands several times during the war.

World War I Forts

Before World War I, there were revolutions in Mexico. This caused problems along the US border, including raids on towns in the Southwest United States. Because of this, the US Army stationed soldiers at camps and forts all along the Rio Grande, which is Texas' border with Mexico.

Forts from this period include:

Additionally, coastal artillery stations were set up along the Texas coast. These helped stop enemy U-boats (submarines) or ships from getting close to Texas ports. These stations were at places like Freeport and Sabine Pass.

World War II Forts

Learning the salute, Camp Travis
Camp Travis (postcard, circa 1917-1922)

During World War II, the US Army opened or made bigger many bases and airfields for training. There was a lot of U-boat activity in the Gulf of Mexico. This made people worried about naval attacks on Texas ports and coastal cities by enemy ships and submarines.

Forts from this period include:

Coastal artillery stations were also set up to prevent submarines or planes from reaching Texas ports. These were at places like Sabine Pass, Port Arthur, and Port Aransas. Many camps for prisoners of war were also built. Camp Travis, near Fort Sam Houston, was a large training facility.

Cold War Forts

With the invention of nuclear weapons and a time of more peace in Texas, traditional forts were no longer needed for defense. However, Texas forts became important home bases for large US Army units. They also served as key training areas for the US military and its allies during the Cold War.

Forts from this period include:

Texas Forts Today

Today, Fort Bliss and Fort Hood are still major headquarters for American army units. Both areas remain important training grounds for US and allied forces. Fort Sam Houston is home to the Army Medical Department.

The US Navy has two main training centers for flying at Corpus Christi and Kingsville. They also have a third naval air station in Fort Worth. The US Air Force still uses several bases for active duty or for reserve and National Guard units. Many other forts, stations, and camps have closed due to defense budget cuts.

People are still very interested in Texas's rich history. Because of this, archaeologists continue to explore known and newly discovered historic forts.

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