Fort Davis

Fort Davis is a small settlement in western Texas situated at an elevation of about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet). The Davis Mountains surround the community, creating a dry, hilly landscape with wide open spaces.

The settlement began in 1854 as a military post on the San Antonio-El Paso trade route. It was named after Jefferson Davis, who served as Secretary of War at that time.

Fort Davis Independent School District maintains two educational institutions, including Dirks-Anderson Elementary School and Fort Davis High School.

The community connects to Interstate 10 via Texas State Highway 17, linking it to nearby towns in the region. Visitors should prepare for hilly terrain and hot, dry conditions typical of the high desert.

The area houses one of ten radio telescope dishes that form the Very Long Baseline Array for astronomical observation. This research facility enables international collaboration in studying distant cosmic objects.

Location: Jeff Davis County

Elevation above the sea: 1,491 m

GPS coordinates: 30.57836,-103.89219

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:29