Fort McKavett State Historic Site

P O Box 68
Fort McKavett TX 76841
325/396-2358
Park Locator Map

Fort McKavett is open Friday through Monday and closed Tuesday through Thursday.

History: Fort McKavett State Historic Site, 79.5 acres, was acquired and purchased from December 1967, through the mid-1970s, by deeds from Fort McKavett Restoration, Inc., Menard County and private individuals. Some property structures were acquired through condemnation. The park was opened to be public in 1968.

Originally called Camp San Saba because it overlooks the headwaters of the San Saba River Valley, it was established by five companies of the Eighth Infantry in March of 1852 to protect frontier settlers and travelers on Upper El Paso Road. The camp was later renamed for Capt. Henry McKavett, killed at, the battle of Monterey on September 21, 1846. The fort was abandoned March 1859 and reoccupied April 1868. By 1880, the fort was no longer needed and was abandoned June 30, 1883. Fort McKavett was once called by General William T. Sherman "the prettiest post in Texas."

Activities: Attractions include natural springs, over 25 restored historical buildings including ruins, 15 roofed, and some refurnished. Restored buildings include the 1870 hospital which houses the interpretive center and restrooms; an officers' quarters; a school house; a barracks; the post headquarters; a bakery; a deadhouse; and sinks. Books on the history of Texas and its forts and memorabilia can be found in the bookstore. The site hosts scheduled living history programs.

Tours/Events: The park is day-use only; has guided group tours; and tour fees apply. The park hosts an Annual Living History Event in March. In past years, participation has included Fort Concho's Cavalry, Infantry, and Laundresses groups; Fort Stockton's Infantry and Laundresses groups; Fort Griffin's Topographical Engineers; and Lubbock's Memorial Fourth Cavalry along with several other military reenactors from around the state. There have been several civilian reenactors portraying Texas Rangers, buffalo hunters, 1880s Saddletramps, and sutlers. Contact the park for information.

Volunteer: For more information on volunteer opportunities at Fort McKavett contact the park or visit the The Friends of Fort McKavett State Historical Site.
More information on volunteer opportunities at State Parks.

Area Attractions: Other parks nearby include South Llano River State Park, near Junction, Caverns of Sonora, 16 miles west of Sonora; Ruins of Presidio De San Saba on Highway 190 just west of Menard; and Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo along with San Angelo State Park in San Angelo.

Facilities: Facilities include picnic tables, grills, and drinking water. The park offers a Texas State Park Store and a 1/2-mile nature/interpretive trail to Government Springs/lime kiln.

Park & Facility Fees

Flora/Fauna: Wildlife for observation and photography include white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoon, armadillo, and squirrel, especially along the historical trail.

Each spring, spectacular blooms of bluebonnets and other wildflowers bring hundreds of visitors to the park from late March until early May. In 1997, the display was covered by several local newspapers, almost trippling visitation over previous years.

More information on the wildlife mentioned here:

Texas Wildlife Factsheets.

Elevation: 2155 ft.
Weather: Average January minimum temperature 29, July maximum temperature 95, annual rainfall 22.2 inches.

National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Schedule: Open Friday - Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday - Thursday and Christmas Day.

Directions: The park is located 23 miles west of Menard. Take US Highway 190 west of Menard for 17 miles, then go south on FM 864 for 6 miles to the park.

Current conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

Fort McKavett is open Friday through Monday and closed Tuesday through Thursday.