Forgotten History of Fort Davis Texas

[@recalcitrantradical7312]

Sally, back in the day, as now I hear, there were women who followed soldiers. These people were known as camp followers. Rumor is that they were usually older or somewhat ill. Hope that helps, it is still a common occurrence in the Army. In WWII Patton issues an order that when a soldier was diagnosed with VD a letter was to be sent to his mother. fewer cases were reported. Officers row was officer quarters as fraternizing with enlisted was prohibited.

[@SightseeingSally]

Fascinating! I didn’t know their were military “groupies” back in the 1800s. Thanks for clearing up that mystery. 🤓

[@johnryan1798]

General Joseph Hooker provided women for his soldiers. Now, they're generally known as Hookers, as the rumor has it.

[@drewping2002]

As far as the mercury treatment the old saying went: "One night with Venus, a lifetime with Mercury!" Interesting that the Fort was still called "Ft. Davis" after the Civil War when they'd just spent 4 years fighting an army with Davis as Commander in Chief!

[@clydekimsey7503]

@@SightseeingSally there were many prostitutes outside ft mc kavett south of San Angelo. Been there? Its my favorite TX fort

[@timdrain4027]

Mostly whores. Whitewash it if you want

[@TexasRusticMetalArt]

I made the silver metal sign that hangs under the porch of the Fort Davis Drug Store. That was one of the very first metal art projects I made back around 2002. From that project, the Sproul Ranch contacted me to make several metal signs for their hunting lodge and for the Harvard Hotel they built next to the drug store. Fort Davis is my favorite town in Texas. My wife and I have made many friends down there because of the work we did for several years in that town. It's a great place to visit.

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

I guarded the border several years ago in that area, and it was so intriguing to just sit there quietly and feel the breeze, close your eyes and 'see' activity that went on there 150+ years ago. The spirits are certainly still active in that area...and it's a wonderful place to visit.

[@SoonerBear]

I agree. We used to visit my grandmother (dad's mom) In Pecos twice a year when I was growing up, which is an hour, give or take a few minutes. We'd go to Fort Davis, and tour the place. Lot of history there. Very interesting. I've been there probably at least half a dozen times, if not more.

[@chrisnnh]

Good thing you were guarding the border. We’ve had several borders sneak off without so much as a by your leave. That said, I’m unaware of any borders running through Ft. Davis. We’ve camped there numerous times, I’m happy to report no one in our group was ever required to show our passport. Oh, and “Forgotten History?” How could anyone forget what they never knew? Jus’ askin.’

[@STROONZONY]

Thank you for my service

[@MrSlikvee]

Ft. Davis is an awesome place to visit. I have been there a number of times, being from west Texas myself. It never fails to intrigue me, the silence that surrounds the place. One can easily feel the spirits that still linger. There are a number of exhibits that display life in the fort all those decades ago. It was actually a very busy place and the town of the same name gives off an aura itself. The Hotel Limpia has been there a very long time. I believe that it was built during the second manning of the fort, around 1874 or so. It’s not extremely obvious now but Im sure there was at least one saloon in close proximity to the hotel. The current inhabitants of the town are very friendly and there are several B&Bs that can accommodate the weary traveler who may be inspired to visit this incredible remnant of an era gone by. Fascinating.

[@nealhathaway2004]

I was born in Fort Davis in 1957 in a "clinic", because there wasn't a hospital within 80 miles. We lived in Balmorhea, some 30 miles from Ft Davis. Looks like it's improved some since then.

[@dennissolsbery7846]

Sally, another treat that Ft. Davis does is that at a certain time of day, there is what sounds like men and horses doing marching and formation drills with a voice giving the commands. It is played over loud speakers on the parade ground which is the open area between the enlisted and officers buildings. My wife and I sat on the bench on the hospital porch and listened and if you closed your eyes, it was almost like you were there. It was awesome.

[@pamlaenger6870]

It’s amazing when I watch these historical videos and there’s a mention of a date like you just did. You said the fort was abandoned in 1891. My grandma was born in 1896. I get to see what life was like in the time when she was born. She passed away in 1970. Talk about seeing things change! Thank you for giving me a glimpse of times past.

[@YamIa3gypsy]

Great video, Sally! I wasn’t bored at all. It was fascinating! I never would have experienced Fort Davis without you. Thank you 🌸V

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Vicky, I’ll take that as a compliment, so glad we could share this with you 😘

[@texasflood1295]

Fort Davis is one of my favorite places to visit. The weather is almost always good and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. I like to ride a bicycle and the loop going North on 118 and back along 166 is as good as it gets anywhere in the US.

[@SightseeingSally]

My favorite part about this area is the view! So beautiful 🤩

[@rodneymoore7270]

I served in the 2/9th Cavalry .... we called ourselves Buffalo Soldiers in honor of our history. We knew of the history of the post civil war black buffalo soldiers who were effective against the fiercest Indians in the American west. They in particular MOVED the fort away from the foothills of the Davis Mountains because Apache warriors would be able to approach unseen at night and successfully raid it till it was relocated to open ground. Those newly minted black Cavalry Troopers were smarter than the problem possibly because some were Civil War veterans.

[@makadutaarzola9453]

Thank you for doing a video on Ft. Davis. Lived their for several years and loved it. 💛

[@SightseeingSally]

I can see why. Fort Davis and the area around it is really pretty!

[@duanelogan9633]

I love the land out there Sally that wasn't your clothes hanging on the line to dry was it lol look like you were having fun there Marty do you ever take a long a metal detector Lord only knows what you would find Sally I love that history always a great job always a great creator you guys stay safe stay happy and remember don't drink the water 🏆🌺👍✌️

[@SightseeingSally]

Lol it was laundry day so I was multitasking 👚😂 Thanks Duane that’s very much appreciated ✌🏻

[@l.loganboswell1761]

Great place we lived there 29 years and raised 2 children and 4 nieces and nephews there. Miss it every day.

[@TIM1948]

On break, I visited Fort Davis back in 1980 when I was working on a Geophysical crew out of Pecos Texas. Being a history buff, it was fascinating. I remember the museum the most; it was the most informative on the site...and...Sally didn't even mention it.

[@jackpalmer724]

Nice to see that the park system is restoring our history. Well done video. I like the music.

[@SightseeingSally]

I agree! Thanks Jack 😁

[@richarda996]

My first visit was sixty years ago. I remember walking into a adobe building, the difference between the desert heat and interior cooling was amazing. I enjoyed the review. Thank you.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

This is one of my favorite areas of the state to visit. It is a great relief to visit there during the summer because most of the time you get a break from the Texas Heat. Thank you for sharing

[@SightseeingSally]

It’s a beautiful area! And the weather in winter is pretty nice, especially compared to the typical Wisconsin winter. 😄

[@anamariacanata1597]

Thank you Sally for this very informative and historical video!! I wish teachers will show this type of information in their history classes. Many including me never realized there are so many places in America, like in Texas. That still have semi ghost towns, or ghost towns, these are a True treasure and part of history, I have a vision of people if they like should move and start revitalizing with the housing and urban devopment, and rebuilding the old houses, and making it new developments, thank you so much for all your trips...

[@TaipanTex]

Remember going there in the 1960s when I was a little kid for vacation to Big Bend National Park nearby. People who haven't been to this area of Texas have no idea how isolated and sparsely populated even today it is. I can only imagine in the 1800s it must have been like going to the moon or Mars. You had to be tough as nails to survive there.

[@paulajones9956]

I remember climbing up on all those structures as a little girl and I'm 67 years old

[@onrycodger]

Super cool 😎 👍New video!

[@SightseeingSally]

Woohoo 🙌 Thank you 😊

[@kelly3560]

Lol Marty … yup. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@SightseeingSally]

Get Marty off camera and you won’t get a word in, I promise 😉😂

[@1954shadow]

M-A-R-T-Y!

[@luckytahlula6515]

Loved the video. Thanks to you.....and Marty........and the pooch for sharing. I think you were correct on the wood and magazine buildings. Stay well and God bless you.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you, I guess that means my memory isn’t so bad after all

[@markwilkerson9785]

Loving these field trips! The music in the beginning is well thought out and gets the viewer into tour. Keep up the great work!

[@glennfoster2423]

Fascinating information. My wife's last name was Musquiz and we know the family had a ranch along what is now Musquiz creek. I wish we had more time to visit. The history of the area and Ft. David is so important.

[@stucook8622]

Thanks for another great video!

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re welcome Stu, glad you enjoyed it!

[@oldtop4682]

A magazine is indeed where you store munitions. Back then this would likely be the black powder stores for muzzle loading firearms, and artillery related stores. Normally, these are located well away from inhabited areas (as this appeared to be) and well guarded. Definitely a no smoking area (and still are). As for the STDs....This has been an issue for armies going WAY back in time. Someone mentioned camp followers, and indeed that's what they were. Generally, a town would spring up with sleazy bars, shifty shopkeeps and a cat house or two. And it didn't take long for them to show up. Some towns grew, and the camp followers generally moved on to the next place. Happened with mining towns as well. Some armies actually managed these things. The French Foreign Legion brought their camp followers and ladies of the night with them on campaigns in No. Africa (for instance - this is not restricted to that group). Still today, right outside the gate of any military installation you will find pawn shops, barbers, sewing shops, sleazy bars, strip clubs, and......hookers. Though, I will say, that this has decreased significantly over the last 40 years or so. (I spent over 20 years in the Army, so this is personal observation.) Fort Davis is now on my list of places to visit! If you get up to Wyoming Fort Bridger is an interesting place. Same kinda deal.

[@Gyalog44]

Thanks for beautiful video, will definitely tried visit in near future! God Bless & stay safe! 🙏🇺🇸

[@SightseeingSally]

Awesome! I think you’ll enjoy Fort Davis

[@rle440]

I grew up in Pecos and visited Fort Davis fairly often. Great to see this part of the country again.

[@louisliu5638]

That WIND. I never get used to it. So many of these forts from Oklahoma and Texas to Calgary, Alberta were right in the prairie wind all the time. Think of winter.

[@marjoriegarner5369]

Great presentation. Very interesting.

[@voodoo0202ify]

You are correct, it is called a "magazine" and yes, that's where gun powder and other items such as cannonballs are stored. And yes, a wood house is exactly for that, for storage of firewood

[@ellymeerleveldt614]

Thank you so much for this awesome video Sally and Marty👍🤠

[@Materialworld4]

Love Ya Both! I gotta tell ya, watching your videos really makes me want to go see these places for my self, and that is testament to both of you.

[@earllutz2663]

Thank you Sally, for another great video, and history lesson.

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re very welcome Earl, nice to hear you enjoyed it!

[@45AMT]

Makes you realize how good we have it now.

[@clydeprather941]

San Angelo, TX. has another AWESOME restored fort!

[@kellycoleman715]

Fun place to visit just 2.5 hour drive from Midland. Hike the trail above the old fort. Great views. Limpia creek runs behind it.

[@gregboyden564]

thanks for a very imformative video. really enjoyed the details of living as a soldier at Fr. Davis. would love to visit this place someday.

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re welcome Greg. There’s lots to see here, plus there’s town and the state park close by, too.

[@frankedgar6694]

Two Edgar brothers ran supply wagon trains to the frontier Texas forts in this area. Some years later, my grandfather, Soba Jon Eaton, ran sheep in the area of Fort Davis for a short period of time. His brother was the local doctor in the town of Fort Davis. His name was either Frank or David Eaton.

[@frankedgar6694]

Since I didn’t see it quickly in comments, a magazine is absolutely where gunpowder would be stored.

[@steve7730]

Yes, I have been here many times, Texas History Sally, this is a great place to Vacation as I spent time in 😊 Balmorhea scuba diving and Marfa visiting the lights at night time , lots to do in West Texas…

[@michaelhager2846]

Thank you 😊

[@jeromebarry1741]

I visited the town of Ft. Davis July 4, 2004. My tour guide was a local rancher land grant inheritor. We attended a parade in Ft. Davis. As the decorated 'floats' drove along the parade route, people on the floats threw money to the observers.

[@marcinasia1731]

probably a lot of great old bottles in those privies !!!

[@virginiagross5836]

Venereal disease was probably acquired before assignment to the fort. Great video! Fort Davis is our favorite place in Texas. Maybe anywhere. We married there at the old Methodist church.

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

Marty barking YUPP was cute and funny!

[@1954shadow]

M-A-R-T-Y!

[@paulm749]

I've vacationed in and around Fort Davis a few times and find it to be one of my favorite destinations in the entire state. It's got beautiful scenery, history and small crowds. Hope you got a chance to participate in a star party up at McDonald Observatory while you were in the area. About that Chihuahua Trail - I searched and searched but never could find any signs of it. Locals couldn't help me either as none of them had ever seen it's actual remnants. Then it struck me: even during it's heyday that trail would only be 3 or 4 inches wide! Duh!

[@howardbilly4219]

The country of my people, love the place, might visit one day.

[@gerald9264]

Fort Davis Texas is a great place to visit. My grandparents lived here and worked at McDonald's Observatory, which is also a great place to visit.

[@terryderush2657]

Seriously thank you 😊 for sharing this with us 🇺🇸 or just me. I truly enjoyed it.

[@lesliegriffith9830]

Great video! You should see old Fort Union in New Mexico and Fort Laramie in Wyoming.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks! I wonder… did Fort Laramie inspire the old western tv show “Laramie”?

[@1954shadow]

M-A-R-T-Y!

[@jefferyedwards5003]

Cool place...got to visit there last March. Hauntingly quiet with only a couple of other visitors there. Easy to lose yourself and picture the soldiers and their families going about their day. Nearby cemetery on the road to the fort have some of the personnel stationed there were buried.

[@culturedape279]

Love it! History with a pretty smile.

[@vincentmaldonado3043]

a trip back in time

[@mpojr]

Great job Sally really enjoyed this video learned things that l did not know

[@Susan71105]

Many years ago, I would pass the exit for Ft.Davis. I always wanted to go there but never did.

[@SightseeingSally]

It seems like a lovely little community.

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Fascinating history

[@RioAbajoBelen]

Marty: "Yup" Got to love it. ;-) Great video. Doug and Pam Belen, New Mexico U.S.A.

[@master.of.reality]

Great video

[@dennisgrubbs1929]

What a awesome video details everything wish I was close by damn Thanks 👍 safe travels 😊

[@JohnShinn1960]

🤔 Jeez. Thanks Sally, Thanks Marty. 🤠👍👍👍

[@SightseeingSally]

No words needed John, I can see the wheels turning 😂

[@1954shadow]

M-A-R-T-Y!

[@marjoriegarner5369]

You do a great job.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Marjorie 🥰

[@dennissolsbery7846]

You're correct about the Magazine.

[@dvknauss]

We went. There on 1967 was great

[@garybryant6148]

Outstanding video Thank you

[@coolmoodee]

Looks like thats going to be on a to do list very soon.

[@carlosmontana8840]

I stayed a night at the hotel Limpia, very nice, didn't really want to leave.

[@SightseeingSally]

Looked like a really nice place to stay, I can imagine why you didn’t want to leave

[@arthurmcgee4746]

Good video and a good area to explore.

[@brucelovenite]

amazing thank you

[@JSB1882]

I never heard of that movie, "Dancer, Texas, pop. 81". I'll have to check around for it because it rates 6.8 on IMBd.

[@SightseeingSally]

We watched it after finding out it was filmed in this area. I thought it was a fun movie, easy to relate to since I grew up in a small-ish town. I say small-ish cuz I’m quickly learning our “small” town wasn’t so small after all.

[@jessemccullough6263]

Just wanted to invite you to San Angelo,TX. We have" Fort Concho" which I'm sure you would like just as much or more than "Fort Davis". Hope you can make it sometime.

[@dougrogillio2223]

Fort Davis IS a small town. We really enjoy the area. We stay at the Indian Lodge within Ft Davis State Park. Don't bypass Big Bend, whatever you do.

[@daviddaughenbaugh1080]

Grrrreat!

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

Sally must be for Rio Grande and Mexico reason! Fort means army was present might be a small outfit but gotta be there!

[@douglashall2141]

I believe there were Tales of Madam's with a wagon full of her employees traveling from one place to another, partly because they were run out of town or they were following the gold. It's likely both were the reason. And the brick magazine, is your storage 4 gunpowder, ammo and rifles. But mostly gunpowder and ammo

[@David-vh8ij]

I've been to ft. Davis a couple of times. It's so beautiful there. Did y'all go to Balmoreah state park near there? It has the nations largest spring fed swimming pool.

[@henryrodgers1752]

Crystal clear water! Swim with soft-shell turtles! Great place to picnic.

[@thomaslockwood8870]

Comanches were the fiercest indians(I choose this term not native Americans git overit). Apache were scared. Get the book"Empire of the Rising Moon" tells the story of the last chief, Quana Parker. His mother was white, captured by tribe. Quana's son collected😊 artifacts. They're in a museum inside Crosbyton Texas. The greatest artifact collection I ever viewed. Go for it Y'all.

[@tomriggle3217]

I've been to Fort Laramie In Wyoming. Very interesting place also

[@chrisfaucette4085]

Fort Davis was also where the army carried out an experiment on using camels.

[@richarddegen6184]

Been there a couple times...very well restored and quite large! Town is cool also!

[@rodneymoore7270]

Post civil war soldiers used cased "modern" ammunition but they still needed to keep gun powder for cannon/artillery.

[@MS-ih8tg]

Well done. We live in Boerne Texas and 8ntend to visit the area soon. You should make a trip to White Sands New Mexico to see the Trinity site (first nuclear explosion) someday. Open two Saturdays a year. Wonderful experience to be at a place where history was made. Did the math with slide rules. Gambled that it might cause a chain reaction and destroy the earth's atmosphere. A few hours from El Paso. Enjoy

[@davidcarlisle6244]

Officers get their own "Privy". Filling in for Marty He's walking the dog.

[@SightseeingSally]

Lol you’re hired David

[@STROONZONY]

I love the way you say "kicked in dee abdomin by a hoyrse

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

Mornin Sheriff Sally!

[@SightseeingSally]

Good mornin

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

@@SightseeingSally Mornin Dear! Although there it must be night! Just saying!

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

Sally as Heisenberg would exclaim mofw!

[@shawnb4938]

The magazine Is where you stopped by on the way to the privy. 🤣 Just kidding. It is where the ammunition was stored.

[@SightseeingSally]

hahaha I like your sense of humor Shawn

[@KarlMcCleve]

If you haven't been to fort Bayard New Mexico great place

[@robertbarnett7929]

After the civl war the buffalo soldiers were stationed at ft davis and other forts there mission was to protect the stages wagon trains etc from Indians,Mexican Bandits,Texas Outlaw Etc.And yes V.D. was very common.

[@robertcolfack26]

I never knew there was a Fort Davis but I'm sure millions of people know nothing about Fort Hartsuff in Nebraska near Elyria

[@mikefluke3029]

Great video..have you checked out six gun Charlie's yet? It's north of balmorhea on 17

[@justinbranden5275]

Come to Amarillo. Tons of history!

[@wrobinson1702]

Armies have had camp followers ever since there has been armies. VD and unexpected, often inter-racial, pregnancies, have been common issues surrounding militaries just as long.

[@johnryan1798]

Dancer, Texas Pop. 81

[@SightseeingSally]

It’s a cute movie, great to watch when you don’t feel like thinking too much

[@chars437]

👏👋

[@divindave6117]

I thought this was a great video!

[@charlesblount6858]

Magazine was a place they stored their ammunition.

[@christopherdawson6363]

Just an FYI, securing a route is a military mission.

[@josephmclennan1229]

Now our military forced the soldiers with the clot shot. Criminal.