Fort Clark, Texas – Surviving the Frontier

Fort Clark, Texas, a relic of the American frontier, stands near Brackettville in Kinney County as a testament to a bygone era. Today, this historical site is honored by its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, a recognition of its significant role in the development of the region and the nation.

Unlike many frontier forts that faded into obscurity after the Indian Wars, Fort Clark, Texas, remained an active military post well into the 20th century, a silent sentinel guarding the borderlands. Established in 1852, it was finally inactivated in the mid-1940s, marking the end of an era. In the 1850s, Fort Clark, Texas served as the southern anchor of the Texas defensive line, tasked with the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the vital San Antonio-El Paso Road and maintaining order along the volatile Mexican border.

The strategic importance of the location was recognized as early as 1849 by Lieutenant William H. C. Whiting. While surveying a viable route between San Antonio and El Paso, Whiting identified the area around Las Moras Springs, at the head of Las Moras Creek, as an ideal site for a military installation. The abundant water source and strategic location made it a natural choice for a fort.

Following Whiting’s recommendation, the U.S. Army officially established Fort Clark, Texas on June 20, 1852. The primary objectives of the fort were to protect the San Antonio-El Paso Road and the surrounding settlements from the dual threats of Native American raids and potential incursions from Mexico. This was a period of significant unrest, and the presence of a strong military force was deemed essential for maintaining peace and security.

The initial construction of Fort Clark involved leasing the land and deploying Companies C and E of the First Infantry, under the command of Major Joseph H. LaMotte. These soldiers, accompanied by an advance and rear guard of U.S. Mounted Rifles, began the arduous task of constructing the fort’s infrastructure. By 1853, the soldiers’ barracks were nearing completion, providing much-needed shelter for the troops. The following year, in 1854, three officers’ quarters were built, offering more comfortable accommodations for the commanding officers. The construction continued into 1855, with the erection of a stone hospital and a two-story storehouse, vital facilities for the health and supply needs of the garrison.

The establishment of Fort Clark quickly spurred the growth of a settlement nearby. Oscar B. Brackett, recognizing the economic opportunity, established a stage stop and opened a dry-goods store, catering to the needs of the soldiers and travelers. The settlement, initially named Brackett in 1852, was later renamed Brackettville. Despite its proximity to the fort, the town’s growth was initially slow, hampered by the ever-present threat of Indian raids.

The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 brought significant changes to Fort Clark. With Texas seceding from the Union, Federal soldiers abandoned the fort in March 1861. Confederate forces promptly moved in, occupying the fort with the Second Texas Mounted Rifles until August 1862. For a brief period, the fort served as a hospital for Confederate troops and local civilians. The tide turned again in December 1866, when Union soldiers returned to Fort Clark, becoming deeply involved in the ongoing Indian Wars.

In 1872, Fort Clark became the home base for numerous black Seminole Indian Scouts, who served with distinction from 1872 until 1914. The fort also housed various infantry and cavalry units, including the renowned 9th and 10th "Buffalo Soldiers." These were tumultuous years, marked by frequent raids by Comanche and Apache Indians, who often swept through the area, stealing horses, mules, and cattle before retreating across the Rio Grande into Mexico. Simultaneously, outlaws thrived in the region, committing crimes and then seeking refuge across the border. The constant violence forced hundreds of pioneers to abandon their homesteads, highlighting the perilous nature of life on the frontier.

In 1873, Fort Clark served as the headquarters for Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie, a figure known for his aggressive pursuit of raiders. In one controversial move, Mackenzie crossed the border into Mexico and attacked Kickapoo and Lipan Apache raiders who were using Mexico as a sanctuary. This action created an international incident, underscoring the complexities of border security. Troops from the fort also participated in the Red River War of 1874-75, further solidifying its role in suppressing Native American resistance.

After the Native American tribes in the region were subdued, the future of Fort Clark was uncertain, and closure was considered. However, the turmoil along the border during the Mexican Revolution revitalized the military’s need for the fort. The Third Texas Infantry garrisoned Fort Clark during the Spanish-American War in 1898, demonstrating the fort’s adaptability to changing military needs.

The fort remained an active infantry and cavalry post, with troops serving in World War I. During World War II, Fort Clark served as a cavalry training center, housing the 112th Cavalry and a Texas National Guard Unit. More than 12,000 troops of the Second Cavalry Division trained at Fort Clark until their deployment in February 1944. During the war, the post was also used as a prisoner of war (POW) camp for German soldiers.

Technological advancements, particularly the rise of mechanized warfare, signaled the end of the horse cavalry. Fort Clark, Texas was one of the last horse cavalry posts in the country. The post was officially deactivated in early 1946 and, later that year, was sold to the Brown and Root Company for salvage. Subsequently, it was transformed into a guest ranch, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

In 1971, the property became part of the Fort Clark Springs Association, which has developed the area into a living and resort community while preserving approximately 80 buildings designated as a National Register Historic District. The old cavalry barracks have been transformed into a hotel, offering visitors a unique opportunity to stay in a piece of history. The old guardhouse now houses a museum operated by the Fort Clark Historical Society, open on weekends and offering insights into the fort’s rich past.

Today, approximately 25 to 30 buildings dating from the 19th century remain standing, including two sets of officers’ quarters and a log building dating to the early 1850s. Other buildings, constructed of stone, were built from the late 1850s to the 1880s. These include additional officers’ quarters, barracks, the commanding officer’s house, the quartermaster storehouse, and the guardhouse. These structures offer a tangible link to the fort’s past, allowing visitors to imagine life on the frontier.

Now known as Fort Clark Springs, the old fort site is a privately owned resort and leisure living community. This commercial endeavor has played a crucial role in preserving this historic fort. The resort features an 18-hole golf course, and the old Fort Clark spring feeds a natural swimming pool, offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Camping and RV sites are also available.

Fort Clark Springs is located at the southern edge of Brackettville, Texas, easily accessible to those wishing to explore this significant piece of Texas and American history.