Fort McIntosh

Fort McIntosh sits along the Rio Grande with Victorian-style buildings that include barracks, officers' residences, and an open parade ground where soldiers once gathered. The original structures remain standing and now serve as part of Laredo Community College's campus.

The fort was built in 1849 near Paso de los Indios to defend against raids and watch the boundary between the United States and Mexico. It became a key outpost during a period of tension and change along the frontier.

The fort housed African American Buffalo Soldiers from the Tenth Cavalry in the late 1800s, who served at this frontier location during a pivotal period. The presence of these soldiers left a lasting mark on the region's story and the memories of the community.

The site is now accessible through Laredo Community College, with several original buildings still standing and open for exploration. The location along the Rio Grande gives visitors a chance to see the historic landscape and structures from the frontier defense era.

Six commanders of this frontier post later became Union generals, while three others led for the opposing side during the Civil War. This unusual split shows how strongly the experience at this location shaped military leadership across both sides.

Location: Webb County

Location: Laredo

Inception: 1849

Architectural style: Victorian architecture

Address: Laredo Junior College campus

GPS coordinates: 27.50528,-99.52056

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27