Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site

Forts Randolph and Buhlow are two earthen fortifications positioned along the Red River to control the waterway during the Civil War. Elevated boardwalks now guide visitors through the ruins, revealing the layout and scale of the defensive structures.

These fortifications were built in 1864 by Confederate forces following a military setback in the region, designed to block Union forces from advancing further. They represented a strategic attempt to hold the Red River and prevent deeper penetration into Confederate territory.

The two forts stand as reminders of how warfare reshaped the lives of people living along the Red River during the Civil War. Visitors walking through the site experience the landscape that both armies fought over and the communities caught between them.

The site is open Wednesday through Sunday from morning to late afternoon. An on-site visitor center provides exhibits and interpretation to help understand the fortifications and their role in the war.

Visitors can see remnants of a dam that Union engineers constructed to move boats across the shallow Red River during military operations. This engineering solution demonstrates how both sides adapted their tactics to the river environment.