Fort Duncan, Texas – Protecting the Rio Grande
Nestled along the eastern bank of the Rio Grande, in what is now Eagle Pass, Texas, stands Fort Duncan, a historical landmark that whispers tales of frontier life, military strategy, and the complex relationship between the United States, Mexico, and the Native American tribes of the region. Established in 1849, this U.S. Army base played a crucial role in safeguarding settlements and controlling the flow of trade along the international border. Its story is one of shifting priorities, periods of abandonment and re-occupation, and ultimately, its transformation into a cherished public park.
The story of Fort Duncan begins before its official establishment, with a temporary encampment known as Camp Eagle Pass. This initial post was strategically placed at the site during the Mexican-American War in 1846, recognizing the importance of controlling this vital crossing point on the Rio Grande. The war highlighted the need for a permanent military presence in the area, leading to the creation of Fort Duncan three years later. Named in honor of James Duncan, a celebrated hero of the Mexican-American War, the fort was founded by Captain Sidney Burbank and three companies of infantry. Like its sister forts along the river, such as Fort McIntosh, Fort Duncan served as a sentinel, guarding the international boundary, monitoring trade activities, and offering protection to settlers and emigrants venturing into the vast Texas frontier.
The physical structure of Fort Duncan reflected its purpose as a self-sufficient military outpost. The initial construction included a storehouse for supplies, two magazines for storing ammunition, four officers’ quarters providing accommodation for the leadership, a stone hospital for tending to the sick and wounded, and barracks to house the enlisted men. The fort’s strategic importance stemmed from several key factors: the bustling trade activity crossing into Mexico at Eagle Pass, its location along the vital California Road (a popular route for those seeking their fortune in the California gold rush), and its suitability as a base for scouting expeditions against Native American tribes who posed a threat to settlers in the 1850s.
The establishment of Fort Duncan had a profound impact on the surrounding area. Almost immediately, caravans of prospectors, eager to reach the California goldfields via the Mexico route, began to pass through the area, crossing the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass. This influx of people led to the rapid growth of a settlement near the fort, initially known as "California Camp." In 1850, the settlement was officially recognized as a town and christened Eagle Pass, a name that reflects the area’s geographic significance.
However, life on the frontier was not without its challenges. Fort Duncan found itself embroiled in the Callahan Expedition of 1855, an ill-fated attempt led by James H. Callahan to repel attacks from Lipan Apache Indians and recapture runaway slaves. The expedition took a dark turn when Callahan’s forces seized and burned the Mexican town of Piedras Negras, across the river from Eagle Pass. This act of aggression strained relations with Mexico and placed the commanders of Fort Duncan in a difficult position. They ultimately refused to aid Callahan’s retreat back across the Rio Grande, effectively distancing themselves from his unauthorized and destructive actions.
The ebb and flow of military activity at Fort Duncan mirrored the changing political and social landscape of the United States. In May 1859, the fort was abandoned, and the troops were transferred to Camp Verde, a post further inland. This decision was short-lived, however, as renewed disturbances caused by Juan N. Cortina, a Mexican outlaw and folk hero, along the Rio Grande prompted the re-garrisoning of Fort Duncan in March 1860.
The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 brought further upheaval to Fort Duncan. With the secession of Texas from the Union, federal troops were withdrawn from the fort in March 1861. Confederate forces subsequently occupied the post, renaming it Rio Grande Station. Under Confederate control, the fort served as an important customs point for the exchange of Confederate cotton for munitions from Mexico. It also played a role in supporting the Frontier Regiment, tasked with defending the Texas border against both Union forces and Native American incursions. The tides of war eventually turned, and federal troops reoccupied Fort Duncan in March 1868, marking a return to its original purpose.
The post-Civil War era saw a period of relative stability at Fort Duncan. In 1870, Seminole Indians, renowned for their tracking and scouting abilities, were employed at the fort as guides and scouts, assisting the army in its efforts to maintain order along the border. However, in 1883, Fort Duncan faced another period of abandonment, this time due to a dispute over the lease of the land on which it was located. The owner of the land refused to sell, forcing the army to relocate its operations.
Despite being officially abandoned, Fort Duncan continued to serve as a sub-post of Fort Clark, a larger military installation further north. It was renamed Camp at Eagle Pass, reflecting its diminished status. In 1894, the government finally purchased the land, paving the way for the reinstatement of Fort Duncan as a fully operational military post. For the next twelve years, the fort operated with a reduced number of troops, primarily focused on maintaining peace and quelling disturbances along the Rio Grande. The outbreak of World War I brought a surge in military presence, with the number of troops stationed at Fort Duncan swelling to 16,000 by 1916. However, this increase was temporary, and by 1920, the number of troops had once again dramatically decreased.
By 1933, Fort Duncan had been closed for the final time. Although the U.S. Government retained ownership of the land, the City of Eagle Pass was granted permission to develop and maintain the old post as a public park, subject to the condition that the government could reclaim the property for military or other reasons at any time. Just two years later, in 1935, the property was officially transferred to the city, solidifying its status as a public space.
Today, known as Fort Duncan Park, the site stands as a testament to its rich history. In 1971, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance as a cultural and historical landmark. The park encompasses a dozen historic buildings, including a stone magazine, stone stables, and adobe officers’ quarters, each offering a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers and civilians who once called Fort Duncan home. The old headquarters building has been transformed into a museum, preserving and showcasing the fort’s history through exhibits and artifacts.
For those interested in visiting Fort Duncan Park and learning more about its history, the Fort Duncan Museum is located at 400 Garrison St., P.O. Box 1188, Eagle Pass, Texas 78852. You can contact them at 830-773-3224 or 888-355-3224.