Fort Lancaster (1)

 (1855-1865) (1871-1874) - Established 20 Aug 1855 by Capt. Stephen D. Carpenter, 1st U.S. Infantry to guard the lower San Antonio - El Paso Military Road. Abandoned by Union troops in 1861 to Confederate forces at the beginning of the U.S. Civil War. Re-garrisoned by Federal troops in 1871 and abandoned in 1873 or 1874.



History
Fort Lancaster was one of the most remote posts in a chain of forts guarding the lower San Antonio - El Paso Military Road before the U.S. Civil War. It was evacuated by Federal troops 19 Mar 1861 and occupied by Confederate troops during the U.S. Civil War. The fort was reoccupied by Federal troops in 1871 and abandoned in 1873 or 1874.

Current Status
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site, operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife, is 81.6 total acres located west of Ozona in Crockett County. It was acquired April 16, 1968, by deed from Crockett County and private owners. In 1975, Henry Meadows donated 41 more acres of land, which included the sites of a sutler store. The site contains the ruins of 29 buildings and a cemetery.

Sources:
 * , page 162.
 * , page 153.
 * , page 767-768.

Publications:
 * Lawrence John Francell, Fort Lancaster: Texas Frontier Sentinel, ISBN 0-87611-173-8

Links: 
 * North American Forts - Fort Lancaster
 * Texas Handbook OnLine - Fort Lancaster
 * TexasBob.com