Historic Fort Martin Scott

Fort Martin Scott was established on December 5, 1848, and was one of the first United States Army posts on the western frontier of Texas to protect Texan settlers and travelers from Indian depredations . The post was two miles southeast of Fredericksburg, Texas, on Barons Creek, a tributary of the Pedernales River. The Eighth Military Department renamed the Hill Country camp in December 1849 for Maj. Martin Scott (Fifth United States Infantry), who was killed at the battle of Molina del Rey in 1847. Fort Martin Scott served as a first line of defense, keeping the peace and minimizing possible friction caused by an active trade between the Comanches and German settlers of Fredericksburg. The soldiers also represented the one constant source of hard cash for businessmen in this rural Hill Country community.

As the frontier moved west of the Hill Country, the strategic significance of the fort diminished and from late 1852 through 1853 the fort assumed the role of forage depot. Fort Martin Scott closed in December 1853. In September 1866 Gen. Philip H. Sheridan ordered elements of the Fourth United States Cavalry to Fort Martin Scott to secure the frontier once again from possible Indian depredations, but the fort was abandoned by military units at the end of the year.

The Fredericksburg Heritage Association now leases the land on which Fort Martin Scott was located from the city of Fredericksburg, Texas. The association has developed the property as a park and historic site and continues with archeological projects and historic renovations. Fort Martin Scott is home of several events throughout the year, inlcuding the Intertribal Pow Wow in May, the Flint Knappers' Festival in October, and the Texian Thanksgiving in November.

Call (830) 997-9895 for more information.