Here at Fort Richardson, you will be able to experience what life was like on a frontier fort! Step into this time in Texas history when the dust had just settled from the Civil War and the country had entered the age of reconstruction. Forts were put into place here in Texas to help settlement expand and provide protection from attacks and raids. Fort Richardson was the northernmost of these Texas frontier posts.
Begin at the Interpretive Center (the Officer’s Barracks) and pick up a guide for the Walking Tour. You have the option of going on one of the ranger-guided tours (offered twice daily M-F) or you can take a self-guided tour (Saturdays & Sundays) through the many interesting stops, which include:
- Officer’s Barracks
- Hospital
- Morgue
- Bakery
- Guardhouse Ruins
- Magazine
- Enlisted Men’s Barracks
- Commanding Officer’s Quarters
- The Commissary
Fort Richardson State Park offers much more than history. With the camping and cabin options, you might consider staying a night or two. One unique feature of this park is the Lost Creek Reservoir Trailway, a nine-mile hiking/biking/equestrian trail connecting the State Historic Site to the Lost Creek Reservoir. So after you’ve experienced the great history the park has to offer, you can pack a picnic and a swimsuit and hit the trail to the north park unit.
The Basics:
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
- 228 State Park Road 61
Jacksboro, TX 76458 - Historic Buildings: Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm
- Fees:
- Adults: $4
- Children: Free
Tips for Visitors:
- Fort Richardson offers many special events, including a military reenactments. Check the events page here.
- Jr. Ranger books, explorer packs, and a playground are available for the kids.
Books:
Frontier Forts of Texas by Bill O’Neal
