Ft. McKavett - Ft. Clark Military Road -- Roosevelt TX
N 30° 29.253 W 100° 03.093
14R E 399077 N 3373281
A state historic marker along state Loop 291 (the historic Old Spanish Trail auto route) preserves the history of an even earlier road
Waymark Code: WMTVHZ
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/10/2017
Views: 1
This state historic marker stands along the old US 290/Old Spanish Trail, currently designated the Texas State Loop 291, about half a mile south of Roosevelt TX. The marker preserves the history of the old Fort McKavett-Fort Clark Military Road that passed through here, connecting three frontierera Texas forts: Fort Terrett, Fort McKavett, and Fort Clark.
The historic marker reads as follows::
"Ft. McKavett - Ft. Clark Military Road
From nearby Ft. Terrett, this road in 1852 led south to Ft. Clark and north to Ft. McKavett. Selected mainly because it had water available, it served as route for freight and mail, 1868, when forts were reactivated. Over it went troops, supplies, a few immigrants and pioneer ranches. It was noted also for passage of forays of Col. Ranald Mackenzie against the hostile Indians to the northwest. After forts were abandoned in 1883, ranchers drove cattle to market over parts of the road. (1966)"
Road of Trail Name: Ft. McKavett - Ft. Clark Military Road
State: Texas
County: Kimble
Historical Significance:
This military road connected three frontier era defensive forts manned by US Army soldiers. These three forts, Fort McKavett (southwest of Menard), Fort Clark (Brackettville), and Fort Terrett (near Sonora) were all important outposts on what was still a very wild and dangerous frontier.
Years in use: Parts are still used today
How you discovered it:
I read the historic marker
Book on Wagon Road or Trial:
There are several books about the specific forts themselves, however I did not find a single book that was completely dedicated just to the road
Website Explination:
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/forts/military.html
Why?:
The military used this road to transfer men and matériel between posts, and for patrolling this area of West Texas. Pioneers used the road to expand settlements westward. Ranchers used the road to move cattle and goods to market. Today, travelers use this road to get to towns and explore this fascinating area of West Texas.
Directions:
The historic marker is located at the driveway to the Roosevelt community center on State Highway Loop 291 a few hundred yards off of the I 10, at exit 437 (WB) and 438 (EB)
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Visit Instructions:
To post a log for this Waymark the poster must have a picture of either themselves, GPSr, or mascot. People in the picture with information about the waymark are preferred. If the waymarker can not be in the picture a picture of their GPSr or mascot will qualify. There are no exceptions to this rule.