Fort Davis in western Texas has been preserved as one of the best remaining examples of a frontier military post. The first establishment beginning in 1854 was garrisoned by six companies of the U.S. Infantry to fight Indians who attacked travelers and mail carriers. Texas seceded from the Union and Confederate troops occupied the fort until 1862 when Union forces retook possession. In 1867 new buildings began to be constructed and the fort grew to over 100 structures for over 400 soldiers, continuing the mission to safeguard travelers between San Antonio (300 miles East) and El Paso (200 miles West). Most officers got individual quarters that were made of brick, with a stucco-like finish, etched to look like stone (click to enlarge picture and see detail). The enlisted men quarters were large, shared barracks of white brick.
During several intervals throughout the day, there is a sound program (performed by Army Bands) broadcast throughout the grounds that replicate bugle calls, trumpet assemblies, and parade sounds that were part of the military rituals of the day. After we returned to our motor home, cranked up the satellite TV and microwaved dinner, we thought a lot about what it's like to rough it out West!
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