Fort Lancaster State Historical Site
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Interesting historical site of fort settlement from the 1850s about 15 miles south of I-10. The last few miles as you get closer to the fort wind down through a beautiful canyon with epic views. It has a nice museum with clean restrooms and small gift shop. Entrance for me and 17 yo was $5. They take visa. Interesting story of Camel Brigade and Buffalo Soldiers. Due to pandemic they got rid of the golf carts that I heard were nice and included for price of admission. read more
9 years ago
Our family of five (two toddlers and a pit/boxer mix) really enjoyed it. We were driving and we saw a brown sign for a "scenic loop" so we followed it. We didn't see anything too scenic but we did find historic Fort Lancaster. We got off the 10 hoping to find a place to stretch our legs and instead found ... amazing! Amazing points: They allow dogs INSIDE the museum. They let you check out a golf cart to tour the fort ruins for free. They have a great video that explains how the fort was the only one ever attacked and how the Buffalo Soldiers defended it. They have an interactive dress up area for kiddies WITH accessories. They have a cute camel that kids can climb on because the arm actually brought camels to use. The bookstore is bananas with a great selection of books and a TON of cute toys. The guy that works there LOVES his job and told us the story of the battle with a little diorama and emphasis on the dramatic parts. It was only $4 per adult and kids under 6 are free. The golf cart rental is free. We had a great time. The kids really enjoyed it and it was wonderful to be able to enjoy the museum with our pup. I'm sure he enjoyed the air conditioning. read more
10 years ago
If you're driving through West Texas and see the sign that says Fort Lancaster, do yourself a favor and exit. The drive from the interstate to the fort is beautiful. The two lane road doesn't get much traffic so you feel like you're the only person around for miles. During the 20 or 30 minutes it took to drive to the fort I didn't see any other cars and actually wondered if I missed my turn. As I got closer and closer what was a flat road with prairie all around turned into a twisting and turning mountain road. The view from the roadway into the valley was absolutely beautiful. The drive itself was worth the detour. The fort itself is basically piles of rubble with a few fireplaces left standing. Considering I had two kids in tow, I almost considered skipping the tour of the ruins until my kids heard the ranger mention a golf kart. That's right.....a golf kart. included with your admission to the fort is the keys to your very own lifted golf kart. My kids couldn't of cared less about the history of the fort, Indian attacks or any of it. All they wanted was for me to go fast and hit the bumps. It was damn near perfect. I got to view the fort and learn its history all while thrilling my kids with my driving skills. This was one of our favorite stops on our trip. I strongly recommend a stop at Fort Lancaster if you're passing through. read more
4 years ago
Great little sidetrack to get off the interstate! We stop by frequently just for a break to get out of the car and walk around. Love the history you get and they have some great books in the store! The employees are always so nice and enjoyable as well. If you have the time for the less beaten path, enjoy the scenic loop and check out the Fort. read more
13 years ago
There is a lot of history hidden across Texas for those who will take the side road, off the side road, off the interstate. There is beautiful countryside to be seen on this side loop from the interstate. Yes it is a little slower, but you will get there, and the interesting visions on the old bridge, the forgotten town of Sheffield are clues to where the main flow of life might have been in some time gone by. The Site at Fort Lancaster really a set of ruins, that are now simply foundations and a few chimneys. To read the history and imagine the past and what life was for the soldiers and the travelers is a trip in one's mind that could need the guides from the visitor center to help understand what was, especially from what is now. For the history buff this will be enjoyable and entertaining. For others maybe not so interesting. there is one picnic table at the Visitor Center and one at the day use area. They always seem to be available, so there is a magic hint. Come prepared with everything you might need as you step into Texas history read more
More info about Fort Lancaster State Historical Site
629 Fort Lancaster Rd
Sheffield, TX 79781
Directions
(432) 836-4391
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.visitfortlancaster.com
Hours
What time does Fort Lancaster State Historical Site open?
Fort Lancaster State Historical Site opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What time does Fort Lancaster State Historical Site close?
Fort Lancaster State Historical Site closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mon-Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Other Amenities
Does Fort Lancaster State Historical Site have free WiFi?
Yes, Fort Lancaster State Historical Site has free WiFi.
From the Business
Specialties
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site commemorates the vestiges of one of four army posts established in 1855 to protect the military/trade route between San Antonio and El Paso onto California. Visitors wander through ruins imagining the once impressive establishment of 25 permanent buildings--including a blacksmith shop, hospital, sutler's store, and bakery--and enjoy the sights, sounds, and wildlife of West Texas. Our role as a portal to the West has not changed though. Today we specialize in knowing the cultural events and sites to see in West Texas. Everything from the Big Bend Region up to the Northern Texas Plains on to the Hill Country. Call us if you have any questions on the West Texas Region.
History
Established in 1855.
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site commemorates the vestiges of one of four army posts established in 1855 to protect the military/trade route between San Antonio and El Paso onto California. Interestingly camels were commissioned at Camp Verde to be utilized for travel along this trade route. In 1861 it was abandoned by the US gov. in the wake of Texas' secession. The Fort was occupied by the Confederacy from 1861 to 62 in preparation for their New Mexico Campaign. 1867 Fort Lancaster was revived as a sub-post for the Buffalo Soldiers' 9th Cavalry. It became the only fort in Texas to be attacked by Native Americans when 100 soldiers fended off roughly 1000 Kickapoo in December of 1867. The Fort was permanently abandoned in 1873 or 74. Today visitors wander through ruins imagining the once impressive establishment of 25 permanent buildings--including a blacksmith shop, hospital, sutler's store, and bakery--and enjoy the sights, sounds, and wildlife of West Texas.
Meet the Manager: Nash T.
Nash grew up in this West Texas region but spent 7 years up north gaining quality skills and experiences. He graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, gaining one of the most prestigious liberal art educations in the nation! He then spent 3 years in Cincinnati working for Americorps and local non-profits. Through this work he was an Educator at Gorman Heritage Farm, a living history org, and a community advocate for CAIN, a food pantry. As an Educator he created curriculum for school groups and led tours of the farm along with other roles. At CAIN he created and managed their "Healthy Food For All" program which focused on nutrition education, acquiring fresh produce donations, managing the Farmers Market, and community garden. His role at Fort Lancaster is to connect with our local and traveling populations and to build the fort into a vibrant, enriching experience for all ages!



















