| The treaty of Guadalupe
Hidalgo in 1848, at the close of the Mexican War, provided that the United
States receive an immense accession of territory. The U. S. Army
was given the additional duty of guarding this long frontier against the
depredation of the bandits from Mexico and the Indians who frequently attached
the settlers who being to crowd into the rich lands of the southwest.
Fort McKavett was
first established on March 14, 1852, by the 8th Regiment, U.S. Amy on the
banks of the San Saba River, two miles from its source. It was named
in honor of Captain Henry McKavett, an officer of the 8th Infantry who
was killed during the U.S-Mexican War in 1846. The fort was evacuated on
June 30, 1883 and turned back over to the local citizens. In 1968
Fort McKavett became a part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife system as a
State Historical Park.
We hope those who
follow in the footsteps of the soldiers of the 1800’s will come to
better understand how Fort McKavett and the other forts of West Texas were
a vital part of the rich history of Texas! Imagine yourself
being stationed here during that period of time.
As you tour the museum
and hike the trail, we encourage you to learn as much as possible about
the life of the soldiers who were stationed here far from their homes in
a very remote part of Texas.
Those
Eligible To Hike The Trail
Any registered youth
with the Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts USA, adult Scouters and other
adults may hike this trail. Those groups hiking by units must have at least
two adults (one of whom must be over 21 years of age) present with the
group at all times and on a ratio of not less than one leader per ten youth.
Individual families may also hike this trail. You will need
to allow at least two and a half hours to hike the trail and see the exhibits.
Camping
Overnight camping
is available at Camp Sol Mayer, located three miles east of Ft. McKavett,
and at the Dixie Allison Girl Scout Camp located five miles east of Ft.
McKavett. Advance reservations for any of the camping sites
must be made in advance. Special permission must be granted to a
group in order to stay at the fort overnight. At Ft. McKavett
you will be staying in a building on cots.
Contacts
- Camp Sol Mayer:
Concho Valley Council, BSA, San Angelo, 325/ 655-7107
- Camp Dixie Allison:
El Camino Girl Scout Council, San Angelo 325/ 655-8961
- Fort McKavett State
Historical Park: 325/ 396-2358
Requirements
For Fort McKavett Historical
Trail Award
-
Hike the historical
trail consisting of about two miles on the course described in the trail
booklet and fill in the blanks as you hike the trail.
-
Do a service project
either at Fort McKavett or one of the camps. Approval of the
any project must be obtained in advance of any work done.
Make
application to the Council Service Center using the form at the back of
the trail booklet obtained from the Concho Valley Council at PO Box 1584,
San Angelo, TX 76802-1854 |
