Fort McKavett
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| Fort McKavett | |
|---|---|
| Location: | Menard County, Texas |
| Nearest city: | Menard 23 miles |
| Coordinates: | |
| Established: | 1846 |
| Governing body: | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
Fort Mckavett was named in honor of Capt. Henry McKavett, who was killed in the Mexican War battle of Monterrey, the post had been known as Camp San Saba. Camp followers formed a town a mile north of the post. It was supposed to be named after a German merchant, but went by the unfortunate name of "Scabtown." The historic site itself is located close to Junction, Texas. Camp San Saba closed in 1859, and most of the civilians left when the soldiers departed. The post and the community - having rid itself of the name Scabtown was more than happy to assume the same name as the fort.
The fort closed again in 1883 - but with the Indian threat gone, residents stayed - unlike the previous closing.
By the mid-1890s the community had 80 citizens, a weekly paper - and two hotels. In 1904 the school had twenty-eight students and two teachers.
By the 1920s, Fort McKavett's population was about 150 - falling to 136 during the years of the Great Depression and staying at that level until the 1960s. From a reported 103 in the 70s, it declined to a mere 45 by 1990.
Fort McKavett State Historic Site
Restoration of the fort began in 1968 when the old school and one of the barracks was acquired and it was under the control of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The restoration continued and by 1990 seventeen buildings had been restored. Now known as Fort McKavett State Historic Site, the area is a day-use facility of 82 acres. The site is open daily to the public.
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