Fort Clark (1)

 (1852-1946) - Originally established as Fort Riley (1) on 20 Jun 1852 by Major Joseph H. LaMotte, 1st U.S. Infantry, and named after the Commander of the 1st U.S. Infantry. The fort was renamed Fort Clark on 15 Jul 1852 for Major John B. Clark. Active through World War I and World War II. The fort was closed in 1946.

History
Fort Clark's original purpose was to guard the Mexican border and the San Antonio-El Paso Road against hostile Indian attacks. Colonel Mansfield in his inspection report in 1853 said that Fort Clark was "544 miles without settlement of any description after leaving El Paso" and recommended that three forts be built in between.

U.S. Civil War
On 19 Mar 1861, after Texas seceded from the Union, the federal troops at Fort Clark surrendered the fort to the Provisional Army of Texas. Confederate forces occupied the fort until August 1862. After the war, the fort was again under federal control and was regarrisoned in 1866.

Current Status
Must See! Now a large, gated private community with a manned access gate. Visitors are welcomed. Essential to any visit is the "Historic District Walking Tour" brochure, The post is preserved with old and more recent structures and barracks repurposed and now a part of the Fort Clark Historic District. The Old Fort Clark Guardhouse Museum is maintained by the Fort Clark Historical Society but only open on weekends. Most of the WWII temporary buildings are gone.

See Also:
 * San Antonio to El Paso Roads

Sources:
 * , page 146.
 * , page 156.
 * , page 29.

Links: 
 * North American Forts - Fort Clark
 * Texas Handbook - Fort Clark
 * Fort Clark Website
 * Wikipedia - Fort Clark
 * Old Guardhouse Museum
 * Fort Clark Historic District