Fort Davis

4/15 Yesterday we pulled out of Big Bend and drove the 150 mile trek, back through Marathon to Fort Davis. We decided to save a couple of bucks and stay at a Passport America campground in town rather than the state campground outside of town. Other than close proximity to the fort, it wasn’t worth the savings. Anyway the day is a full one, starting the morning with a tour of the fort. The fort was established in the mid 1800’s and has a strong history of the buffalo soldiers. Much of the fort has been restored to its last days of full operation. As you walk around the living quarters you want to think how elegant it was for the officers and men to have lived in this the “wild” west. But then you have to remember that the large percentage of the enlisted personnel were black their treatment was anything but elegant. The fort itself had no walls but as you can see was protected by a bit of a mountain.

They have restored the commanding officers quarters, furnished to the time and showed a barracks as well as the hospital. There are displays showing some of the artillery, wagons, and other gear used by the soldiers of that era. As we wandered around we were joined by 4 curious residents that seemed to want to follow and see if we were going to do anything interesting. Two horses and two goats. When I stopped and sat down one of the goats decided to get close and personal.

Many of the structures in the town of Fort Davis are also quite historic. When you arrive you can find a “historic walking tour” of the Fort Davis highlighting more than 20 structures/areas to see. We did drive around a bit, but we were more excited to go see the McDonald Observatory located on Mount Fowlkes at an elevation of 6,790 feet. Yes, Texas does have that kind of elevation. Unfortunately we did not time our visit to coincide with their evening tour, so we are taking their afternoon tour. Talk about going from the old wild west to the modern world from morning to afternoon.

We took the tour and learned the history of the McDonald Observatory and all of the universities involved in its beginning and continuing existence. We were first taken into the dome of the original telescope where they demonstrated the mechanics and it was amazing. Then we went over to the newest telescope that doesn’t move for a view and discussion there. Have to say, it was the best hour and a half lecture I’ve ever attended.