October 16th turned out to be a beautiful day for a Living History event at Ft. Stockton in West Texas. Another in the chain of forts that guarded the Lower Government road which ran from San Antonio to El Paso. The road was heavily used by gold seekers rushing to California in the 1850s. Soldiers from Ft. Clark, Ft. Lancaster, Ft. Stockton and Ft. Davis provided escort for travelers along the road until they were abandoned by Federal troops withdrawing east for the Civil War in 1861 .
In 1867 the army rebuilt the fort on a larger and more permanent basis to protect travelers and settlers from Indians. Until abandoned in 1886, the fort provided employment for freighters and laborers and a market for farmers, stockmen, and merchants.
The current residents of Ft. Stockton sponsor a Living History Day in October each year. The hospitality offered was very gracious and all those who attended this year had a wonderful time. View the movie below to see highlights of the event. If you haven't ever attended the Ft. Stockton event, you'll want to put it on your calendar for next year.
