Fort Richardson

Fort Richardson is a military installation from 1867 in Jack County with seven restored buildings, including a hospital, officers' quarters, and barracks spread across a large area. These structures are arranged near Jacksboro and demonstrate the layout of a typical frontier fort from that era.

The site was founded in 1867 to protect settlers from raids in north Texas and was the largest U.S. Army fort at its peak in 1872. The fort gradually lost its military importance as the region developed over the following decades.

The exhibits display military equipment and personal items from soldiers, showing what daily life was like at this frontier outpost. These collections help visitors understand how troops stationed here lived during the settlement of north Texas.

The grounds are accessible during daylight hours without entry gates, and visitors can join guided tours of the restored buildings. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes since exploring the various structures requires walking across the site.

The site combines a state park with historic buildings, offering both recreational trails and opportunities to explore original military structures. This blend of nature and history makes it a place where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities while learning about the past.

Location: Texas

Location: Jack County

Address: S of Jacksboro on U.S. 281

Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-richardson

GPS coordinates: 33.20806,-98.16472

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41