Fort Chadbourne Foundation Visitor Center Roberta Cole Johnson BuildingThe Groundbreaking was on November 9, 2009 and the new Visitor Center opened its doors on April 29, 2012. The building was designed by architect, Conda Richards. The building honors Roberta Cole Johnson, a lady who most likely never laid eyes on Fort Chadbourne. Mrs. Johnson passed away in 2008, leaving her estate in the hands of Charles and Joy Blake, her next door neighbors for many years. Charles and Joy were members of the Concho Valley Archeological Society, and actually helped on several archeological excavations at Fort Chadbourne, in the past. Mrs. Johnson had requested that her estate be distributed at the Blake’s discretion, to non-profit organizations where the Blake’s felt the money could best be used. They chose Fort Chadbourne. There is no greater compliment than this. It shows that the Foundation has gained the respect of others, and has in some way made others want to be a part of the dream. The Fort Chadbourne Foundation will always be grateful to the Blake’s and Roberta Cole Johnson for making the Fort Chadbourne Foundation dream a reality. |
 Ground Breaking! Left to right, Charles and Joy Blake, Dewey Chesnut, Tom Perini, Kelly Gill, David Carter, Lana and Garland Richards, Gay Frazer, Suzanne Campbell, Ann Pate, Beverly Reeves, and September Daniel.  Fort Chadbourne Visitor Center with Historic Fort Chadbourne in the background.  Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting, April 29, 2012. Left to right, Ann Pate, Joy and Charles Blake, Garland and Lana Richards, and Brent Bryan. |
