This document provides an overview of sites along the Texas Forts Trail, including historical forts, towns, and natural landmarks. It describes Fort Belknap as established in 1851 along the Texas frontier with a few remaining buildings and museum. The Wildcatter Ranch near Graham offers authentic Texas ranch experiences and upscale accommodations. The Museum and Art Center in downtown Graham square is known for its history collections and art exhibits in the historic post office building.

1. A Behind the Scenes Look Into Traveling
the Texas Forts Trail

2. “It’s the little things we sometimes miss
that really connect our experiences and
cause them to be so special. The behind
the scenes views that can change a story
if we are willing to look for them.”
Let’s take a trip
down the trail!

3. The J.K. Gordon Center
pictured on the left now
welcomes visitors to
Thurber, Texas, where famous
Thurber bricks were made.
These same
Thurber bricks were
used to pave parts
of the Bankhead
Highway, that
stretched from
Washington, D.C. to
San
Diego, California.
Part of the
Bankhead Highway
in Strawn, Texas.

4. Conrad Hilton’s Mobley Hotel
in Cisco, Texas was the first
location of the now famous
Hilton Hotel empire.
Other Hilton Hotels began to
pop up along the trail such as
the Cactus Hotel in San
Angelo, Texas.Cactus Entryway
Mobley Bedroom

5. Fort Belknap was established in 1851 as a
northern anchor on the Texas frontier
line of defense.
A handful of buildings remain in the park-like
setting, and a museum in the old commissary
chronicles frontier history.

6. Not far from Ft. Belknap, in Graham, Tx, is The Wildcatter
Ranch where guests can have an authentic Texas ranch
experience, combined with upscale accommodations.
P.S.- You’re not an official guest
until you “kiss” the longhorn!
The Wildcatter
Ranch

7. Located in the center of the
downtown square in
Graham, Texas. The
Museum and Art Center is
well known for its history, its
historic collections, and its
nationally recognized fine art
exhibits displayed in the
historic post office.
The town of Graham came into
being because two brothers
purchased a salt works and the
town sprung up around the
enterprise. The salt mine’s
grinding stone is displayed to
showcase Grahams’s historic
roots.
Graham, Texas

8. Fort Griffin
 Fort Griffin, established along the
westernmost frontlines during the
state’s battle to bring its lands
under control, held command over
the southern plains
 Fort Richardson, established in
1868 as the northernmost army
outpost in Texas, anchored the
defensive line of fortifications built
across the Texas frontier.
Fort Richardson

9. Gems of the
Hill Country
Tucked away in the Hill Country of
Mason, Texas, lies a gem very
special to the state. In fact, it is
the state gem, the topaz.
In 1977, Texas legislature
designated the Lone Star cut as
the official gemstone cut of
Texas, and you can find gems in
Mason County with this special
star delicately cut into them.

10. On the banks of the San Saba River
outside of the present-day town of
Menard,Tx, lie the ruins of the largest and
most important military installation in Texas
during the 18th century.
Jim Bowie, defender of the Alamo, carved
his initials in the stone wall on the right
side of the entrance.

11. Fort McKavett
Atop a remote hill, the remains of a
150-year-old fort beckon visitors to
one of the best preserved examples
of a Texas Indian Wars (1850–1875)
military post.
Challenge coins given in
recognition for special
achievement of shooting the
cannon.

12. The Concho Pearl
The “Concho Pearl” can only be found
in the freshwater rivers and lakes
surrounding San Angelo, Texas. It’s
produced by a distinctive muscle
known as the Tampico Pearly Mollusk.
Concho Pearls can range in color
from purple, lavender, pinks, and
orange.

13. Texas Historic Forts
Ft. Chadbourne
Ft. Concho
Ft. Phantom Hill
In 1851, the site served as a frontier garrison, including a
stint under Confederate control and as a stagecoach and
mail stop. The 9th U.S. Cavalry, a unit of the famous
Buffalo Soldiers, fought Comanche and Kiowa Indian
forces here in 1869.
Fort Concho, established in
1867 on the banks of the
Concho River, served as
regimental headquarters for
some of the most recognized
frontier units in Texas
history, including the 10th
Cavalry, better known as the
Buffalo Soldiers.
The history surrounding Fort Chadbourne runs in many
directions. The military years blend together with the
Native Americans striving to hold on to their homeland.
John Butterfield chose the post as a major stop for his
Overland Mail Company because of the protection it
held.