Fort Chadbourne

Fort Chadbourne (1852-1868) - A U.S. Army post established in 1852, by Captain John Beardsley, 8th U.S. Infantry. It was named for 2nd Lt. Theodore Lincoln Chadbourne, 8th U.S. Infantry, West Point Class of 1843, who was killed 9 May 1846 at the battle of Resaca de la Palma in the Mexican War. Abandoned in 1868. Also known as Camp on Oak Creek.

History
A U.S. Army post established 28 Oct 1852, by Captain John Beardsley and companies A and K of the 8th U.S. Infantry. Intended to protect a part of the trail to Santa Fe. Built on the Butterfield Overland Mail route, it was originally called Camp on Oak Creek. It was surrendered to Confederate Colonel Henry E. McCulloch on 23 Mar 1861. Fort Chadbourne was occupied briefly by United States troops after the U.S. Civil War on 25 May 1867 but lack of water forced its abandonment in 1868 and the troops were transferred to Fort Concho.

Current Status
Must see! Stabilization of the site is underway and several buildings have been restored. The site owners have donated the Fort Chadbourne site to the newly formed Fort Chadbourne Foundation. Fort Chadbourne is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public. An impressive new visitor center/museum has been completed and is open to the public.

See Also:
 * Fort Concho

Sources:
 * , page 757.
 * , page 156.
 * Arrie Barrett, Western Frontier Forts of Texas, 1845-1861, West Texas Historical Association Year Book 7, 1931.
 * M. L. Crimmins, Experiences of an Army Surgeon at Fort Chadbourne, West Texas Historical Association Yearbook 15, 1939.
 * John Leeds Kerr and Frank Donovan, Destination Topolobampo: The Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railway, San Marino, California: Golden West, 1968.
 * Jewell G. Pritchett, From the Top of Old Hayrick: A Narrative History of Coke County, Abilene, Texas: Pritchett, 1980.

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Chadbourne
 * Texas Handbook - Fort Chadbourne
 * Official Site