Any time is a good time to visit one of our historic Texas forts, and Fort Martin Scott near Fredericksburg is no exception.

Established in December 1848, the post was first called Camp Houston but was renamed the next year in honor of Major Martin Scott. On a site likely used by Texas Rangers in the previous two decades, the soldiers of the First Infantry and Second Dragoons built and occupied a complex of 21 buildings, many of which have been restored.

The infantry and dragoons of Fort Martin Scott protected travelers heading west in the California Gold Rush and the German settlers of nearby Fredericksburg from roving Comanche, Apache, Kiowa and Wichita warriors as well as garden-variety outlaws and desperados. In addition to defense, their cash was good for local businesses. It wasn’t long, though, before the borders of the frontier pushed further west, and the Hill Country fort lost its strategic position. Fort Martin Scott closed in December 1853.

It is open every day, though, to the public, FREE of charge from 9 am-5 pm, AND on Saturday, November 29, it will be open for Frontier Day with historical interpreters representing the Ranger, military, and civilian periods. From 9 am-4 pm there’ll be re-enactments, cannon firing and firearms demonstrations, period crafts and games for the entire family. This event is FREE, too, though it’ll cost you $5 to park your car. Pretty swell bargain, eh? Plan now!