A Driving Tour of Fort Davis, Texas
For Davis, Texas is an unincorporated community of about 1,000 people that also serves as the county seat of Jeff Davis County, Texas. The community of Fort Davis, Texas is named after the fort that existed in the area with the same name.
What is Fort Davis, Texas known for?
While Fort Davis was formerly known for being the site of the fort, it is now becoming known as a popular tourist destination. Between the quaint town, the observatory, and the quiet remote location, Fort Davis is popular escape.
Is Fort Davis worth visiting?
Fort Davis is difficult to get to, but the trip is worth it. There are many unique experiences to be had in Fort Davis. The remote location that makes Fort Davis so difficult to get to also makes Fort Davis such a unique location to visit. The natural wonders are unsurpassed. The climate in Fort Davis is more inviting than in many other parts of Texas, and the night sky is untouched by light pollution.
What happened at Fort Davis?
Fort Davis was a westward fort that protected travelers, freighters, and mail services. It played an important role in the creation of safe travel routes going west.
After the Civil War, it functioned as a western frontier fort. Fort Davis was unique for the number of Buffalo Soldiers that manned the fort.
Who is Fort Davis named after?
Fort Davis is named after Jefferson Davis. Jefferson Davis would later become the present of the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865.
At the time that Fort Davis was named he was the Secretary of War for the United States.
Who built Fort Davis?
Fort Davis was built on the order of Jefferson Davis, in his then capacity as the Secretary of War for the United States. The land was selected and much of the work was done by Persifor F. Smith, who was in command over the Department of Texas.
Throughout the years of the civil war the fort was either unoccupied or under the control of the Confederate army. During this time period the fort fell into disrepair.
After the Civil War the fort was rebuilt under the leadership of Lt. Col. Wesley Merritt. This was a very large project. By the 1880’s the fort was a very large installation, with more permanent structures made out of adobe and stone.
Why was Fort Davis built?
Fort Davis was built to protect western trade routes in the frontier.
When was Fort Davis built?
Fort Davis was originally built in 1854. The fort was rebuilt in 1867, with its heyday in the 1880’s. It was abandoned in 1891.
What county is Fort Davis in?
Fort Davis, Texas is located in Jeff Davis county. Fort Davis is the county seat of Jeff Davis County, Texas.
What is there to do in Fort Davis, Texas?
Fort Davis National Historic Site
1504 State St, Fort Davis, TX 79734
Visit the historic fort that the town is named after. The abandoned fort has many preserved buildings including preserved furnishings. You can learn about what life was like on the fort and the role of the soldiers in the area.
University of Texas McDonald Observatory
McDonald Observatory, 3640 Dark Sky Dr, Fort Davis, TX 79734
mcdonaldobservatory.org
If you are planning to visit McDonald Observatory, make your reservations in advance. Tickets often sell out. McDonald Observatory is a must see for anyone interested in astronomy. There are numerous programs offered during the day and at night.
Davis Mountains State Park
TX-118, Fort Davis, TX 79734
Located in the Davis Mountains the park is in a beautiful and remote location. Be sure to make reservations in advance for either day use or camping. The park has a motel on the premises called Indian Lodge. There are also many hiking trails.
Fort Davis Drug Store
111 State St, Fort Davis, TX 79734
Get a bite to eat at the Fort Davis Drug Store. They offer up delicious meals and have an old fashioned ice cream counter as well. Don’t even think about heading out of town without filling up on a great breakfast before you hit the road. There is also a gift shop, perfect for getting some last minute souvenirs of your trip.
Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute
43869 TX-118, Fort Davis, TX 79734
www.cdri.org
Offers nature trails, exhibits and botanical gardens. There are also several exhibits about the nature of the area.
Old Overland Trail Museum
511 Fort St and, 3rd St, Fort Davis, TX 79734
The museum is on the Southern Overland Trail. It has exhibits about early life in the West. The museum is located in the former home of Nick Mersfelder.
How far away is Fort Davis?
Fort Davis is in a pretty remote location. Fort Davis near the Davis Mountains State park and at the intersection of Texas State highway 17 and Texas State Highway 118. It is…
597 miles (956 kilometers) from Houston
402 miles (645 kilometers) from San Antonio
200 miles (322 kilometers) from El Paso
500 miles (805 kilometers) from Dallas
Where to stay in Fort Davis?
There are lots of hotels in and around Fort Davis. When booking a hotel room pay close attention to the location of the hotel and the distance to any attractions that you intend to visit on your stay. Distances in West Texas can be much further than they seem.
Camping in the nearby state park is also an option, but be sure to make campsite reservations in advance.
Hotel Limpia
101 Memorial Square, Fort Davis, TX 79734
hotellimpia.com
Fort Davis Drug Store
111 State St, Fort Davis, TX 79734
fddrugstore.com
Davis Mountains Inn
43417 TX-17, Fort Davis, TX 79734
davismountainsinn.com