Near Newcastle in Young County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Fort Belknap
This Post – One of the most important in Texas at that time was maintained by the U.S. Army until 1867 for the protection of early settlers and travelers.
The following personnel occupied this fort from 1851 to 1867.
1851 – Ten companies of the 10th Infantry under command of Col. G. Loomis.
1852 – Five companies of the 5th Infantry under command of Col. G. Loomis.
1854 – Three companies of the 2nd Dragoons 87th Infantry.
1855 to 1857 – Two to four companies of the 1st and 7th Infantry under command of Cap’t. Brevet and Maj. G.R. Paul.
1858 – One company of the 1st Cavalry and 1st Infantry under command of Cap’t. R.W. Johnson.
1867 - One company of the 6th Cavalry under command of First Lieut. G. Schreyer.
Erected 1936.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1851.
Location. 33° 9.081′ N, 98° 44.406′ W. Marker is near Newcastle, Texas, in Young County. Marker can be reached from Farm to Market Road 61 south of Thompson Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the northern pillar of the arch entrance to Fort Belknap park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newcastle TX 76372, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Camp Belknap, C.S.A. (within shouting distance of this marker); Major Robert S. Neighbors (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Fort Belknap Powder Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel William C. Young (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Belknap Memorial (about 400 feet away); The Butterfield Overland Stages (about 400 feet away); Tonkawa Scouts, C.S.A. (about 500 feet away); A Military Road (Fort Belknap - Fort Worth) (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newcastle.
More about this marker. There is a Texas state historical marker medallion on the arch of the entrance; the Texas Historical Commission has assigned Marker Number 1959 to it.
Also see . . . Fort Belknap. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on April 1, 2016.)
Additional commentary.
1. National Historic Landmark
The National Park Service listed Fort Belknap as a National Historic Landmark on December 19, 1960.
— Submitted April 4, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 525 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.