Fort Chadbourne History

The history surrounding Fort Chadbourne runs in many directions. It would be hard to tell its story with a few simple paragraphs. 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. Texas
troops secured the Fort at the outbreak of the Civil War, and many men mustered
into the Confederacy upon its grounds. 

The Fort has always been privately owned. For a few years by Samuel Maverick, and for some 130 years by the family that still calls it home today. 
Its ranching heritage is as historic as its military times. The Fence Cutting Wars of the 1880s were played out on its grounds, and a Texas Ranger lost his life uncovering the corruption that took place.

Eight generations of the Odom, Wylie’s and Richards’ have called it home. And as it slowly faded from a military post to a ranch, the buildings crumbled leaving
only a hint at the troops that once occupied this old frontier fort.

In 1999, the Fort Chadbourne Foundation was formed to restore the aging military post. To uncover its history, rebuild its glory, and give it new life.  

Today it stands proud with six buildings being restored, all ruins stabilized, and a beautiful new Visitor Center to tell its
story...