Day 103 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Today was absolutely magnificent. Fort Davis and Big Bend exceeded every one of my expectations. My friends can attest, that this is a very rare occasion. I suppose it helped that I arrived with unusually low ones, due to a friend’s description of her trip. Additionally, the southwestern, desert-like landscape in other areas has never been that appealing to me, thus I didn’t expect the Big Bend area to be any different. Perhaps it’s just because I’m proud to be a Texan, and any Texas landscape will do despite the appearance!
Fort Davis National Historic Site
I took away one important piece of information from my conversation with the “full-timer” yesterday. Big Bend National Park doesn’t allow dogs on the trails, but he was uncertain about Fort Davis. This tidbit was enough to make me stop at the Fort Davis National Historic Site just to see if pets were allowed.
Most forts I’ve been to don’t allow dogs, so I figured it would be a long shot, but since “full-timer” didn’t recall seeing it posted I clung to hope. Surprisingly, Petey was allowed on the trails and in all areas of the fort except inside the buildings. We enjoyed an outstanding visit and I’m certain Petey enjoyed a walk that wasn’t restricted to the parking lot.
The original fort was established on the eastern side of the Davis Mountains in 1854 and named after Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. From 1854 to 1861 troops of the Eighth Infantry led by Lt. Col. Washington Seawell protected emigrants, freighters, mail coaches, and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road from attacking Comanches, Kiowas, and Apaches.
Upon the outbreak of the Civil War and Texas’s secession from the Union, the federal government evacuated the fort. The fort was briefly occupied by Confederate soldiers before Union forces took possession in 1862. Thereafter, the Union troops abandoned the post and the fort lay deserted for the next five years.
Few of the structures remained in 1867 when the Ninth U.S. Calvary reoccupied Fort Davis. From 1869 through the 1880s, several new buildings were constructed, and the fort became a mainstay to over 400 soldiers. The soldiers continued providing safeguards to travelers along the dangerous San Antonio – El Paso Road and finally forced the Apaches and their leader Victorio into Mexico where they were killed by Mexican military. The end of the Indian Wars in West Texas combined with the army’s effort to consolidate its forces, left Fort Davis abandoned for the final time.
Today, visitors can see ruins of the first fort and restored buildings of the second fort. The combination of the two forts is quite intriguing. The new houses align to magnetic north, while the old foundation outlines align to true north. A good view of this is on the interpretive nature trail which travels into the mountains above the fort.
The weathered rocks towering over Fort Davis are lava flow known as rhyolite porphyry from 25-65 million years ago. The reddish stone used in the construction of the buildings was quarried from the Davis Mountains.
Ranch Home Historic Site
After an awesome tour of Fort Davis and a beautiful hike in the mountains above, Petey and I continued toward Big Bend National Park. On the way, we stopped at a few historical markers. The first was the site of a ranch home owned by Manuel Musquiz, a pioneer who settled in the area in 1854.
Abandoned due to Indian raids, the deserted buildings served as a ranger station intermittently during late 1880’s while the country defended itself against Indians and bandits. While at this spot, I happened upon a herd of approximately thirty elk. One big male with at least 14 points was definitely a trophy for hunters. Knowing most of my hunting friends put in for tags in Montana, I was surprised to see elk here.
Los Caballos
Our next roadside stop was at Los Caballos where rocks in the Ouachita Fold Belt uplifted approximately 275 million years ago. The folding is shown by the whitish rocks known as caballos. The Ouachita Fold is similar in age to the uplift that formed the Appalachians.
Big Bend National Park
We finally reached Big Bend National Park, entering through the Persimmon Gap entrance. Cacti peppered the rocky plains surrounded by the Chisos Mountains and the Boquillas Canyon. The views were astounding. I was in awe of the grandeur and beauty of Big Bend. I pulled off the road countless times to snap photos before arriving at Rio Grande Village to camp for the night.
As I rounded the camp grounds to choose a spot, I passed by a coyote. I decided to tell the Ranger, who basically smiled and laughed saying, “They’re everywhere”. Hmmm, I didn’t want them to eat Petey, so we took cover in VANilla for a bit.
I found another camper with a dog and asked what they planned to do with their dog since the rules say dogs can’t be left unattended or in a vehicle. They seemed to think vehicle living was safe as it wasn’t hot. Shortly thereafter, the volunteer hosts came by in their golf cart. They confirmed Petey would be fine in VANilla and suggested I explore the nearby interpretive nature trail.
As it was nearing dusk, I asked, “Is it it safe given we are in mountain lion and bear territory?”
The hosts assured me. “The mountain lions are in Chiso Basin, not in Rio Grande Village, and near sunset is the best time to go.”
Oh were they right! I made it just in time to see the Boquillas Canyon cliffs turn crimson in the sunset. In addition, the wetlands and river views were mystical. The landscape offered an array of colors: yellow grasslands, green trees, dark grey and red mountains. What a treat! Too bad Petey couldn’t join me! ETB
Map of My Road Trip Across the USA
For a summary about my road trip across the USA, click HERE. For the interactive map, see the below link.
Other Articles on Texas You May Like
- Day 97 – East Texas Ramble
- Day 98 – East Texas Ramble Part 2
- Day 99 – Texas Hill Country
- Day 100 – Texas Hill Country Part 2
- Day 101 – Texas Hill Country Part 3
- Day 102 – Travel Day to Big Bend
Shop
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Beth, photos are great…you should see the cactus when they are blooming, the flowers are beautiful…….
Sounds like you haven’t quite made it up into the Chisos yet, it’s too bad Petey can’t go with. Tony and I hiked up to the top of Emory Pk last time we were there. Views were incredible of Santa Elena Canyon and the area. The work crew we ran into sighted a mountain lion about 2 hours before we came through. It’s about a 4-6 hour hike though.
WOW, I wish I was there with you. I now have a new addition to my bucket list! When do you plan on being in Ruidosa?
An incredible post today! Everything looks gorgeous!
xo’s M
Thanks!
Oh my goodness… these pictures are so beautiful. I’ve been to Fort Davis and the Davis mountains, but not the Big Ben National Park. We went north to the Carlsbad Caverns. Big Ben National Park is also on my bucket list.
I´m proud to be a Texan! Beautiful country.