Fort D. A. Russell

Fort D.A. Russell is a former military installation and historic district in Marfa that spans multiple buildings south of the railroad line. The compound contains barracks, officer quarters, support buildings, and other structures from the early 1900s.

The installation was founded in 1911 as Camp Albert and served as a vital cavalry post during the Mexican Revolution. It was renamed Fort D.A. Russell in 1930 and later functioned as a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.

The repurposed military compound became home to contemporary art installations when artist Donald Judd took over the former army buildings in the late 1970s. Today visitors walk through spaces where art pieces sit alongside original military structures.

The Chinati Foundation offers guided tours throughout the year of the art installations housed in the preserved military buildings. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the grounds on foot takes considerable time.

During World War II, German prisoners of war were held at the site and developed positive relationships with local residents. These connections were unusual for the region and show a surprising side of the wartime experience.

Location: Marfa

Address: Roughly bounded by Ridge, El Paso, and Kelly Streets, U.S. Highway 67 and FM 2810

GPS coordinates: 30.29611,-104.02972

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03