Fort Leaton State Historic Site

Photo courtesy of

PO Box 2319
Presidio TX 79845
432/229-3416
Park locator map

Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
HC 70, Box 375
Terlingua TX 79852
432/424-3327

Big Bend Ranch State Park
P O Box 2319
Presidio TX 79845
432/229-3416

History: Fort Leaton State Historic Site, consisting of 23.4 acres, five of which are the site of a pioneer trading post, is located in Presidio County. The park was acquired December 8, 1967, by deed from a private owner and was opened to the public in 1978.

In 1848, Ben Leaton built a fortified adobe trading post known as Fort Leaton. He dominated border trade with the Apache and Comanche Indians before he died in 1851. In 1936, the Texas Centennial Commission placed a marker at the site.

Activities: The park is day-use only and offers picnicking areas, guided tours, plus exhibits on the history from 15th century, natural history, and archaeological history of the area. The site serves for historical study activities.

Backpacking, camping (no hookups), and lodging is available at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Permits for backpacking and camping, in Big Bend Ranch, can be obtained at Fort Leaton or the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center headquarters. Tours: There are guided tours; fees apply.

Area Attractions: Points of interest nearby include Big Bend Ranch and Davis Mountains State Parks; Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center; Big Bend National Park; and Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico (gateway to Copper Canyon).

Facilities: Facilities include historic ruins, restored rooms, interpretive exhibits with an audio-visual program, restrooms, shaded picnic facilities, a .5-mile interpretive trail, and a Texas State Park Store. Fort Leaton serves as the Western Visitor Center for Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Fees for Fort Leaton State Historic Site
Park & Trail Map (PDF 109.5 KB)

Schedule: Open: 7 days a week year-round from 8 am to 4:30 pm; closed Christmas Day. Busy Season: September through April.

Directions: The park is located 4 miles southeast of Presidio on the River Road to the Big Bend (FM 170), one of the most scenic highway routes in the southeast.

Elevation: 2594 ft.
Weather: January average 40, July average 105; first/last freeze: November 20/March 11.

National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

Information:

Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center is on the eastern edge of Big Bend Ranch State Park and Fort Leaton State Historic Site is on the western edge.