Fort Davis in Jeff Davis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Commanding Officer's Quarters

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Photographed By James Hulse, March 13, 2023

1. Commanding Officer's Quarters Marker

Inscription. This building served as the residence for the commanding officer. Construction of the house began in 1867 under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Wesley Merritt, who was the first to move in and call it "home". Today it is furnished to the time when Colonel Benjamin H. Grierson, commander of the black Tenth U.S. Cavalry, and his family lived here, 1882-1885.

Erected by National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 30° 35.921′ N, 103° 53.579′ W. Marker is in Fort Davis, Texas, in Jeff Davis County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Lt. Henry Flipper Drive and State Street (State Highway 17). The marker is located in the western section of the historic Fort Davis. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Lt Henry Flipper Drive, Fort Davis TX 79734, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Fort Davis (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sick Call (about 400 feet away); Fort Davis (about 500 feet away); Legend - Fort Davis (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named

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Fort Davis (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Davis (about 700 feet away); The Post Chapel (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Davis (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Davis.

More about this marker. The fort and markers are located on the grounds of the Fort Davis National Historic Site which requires a small entrance fee to access.

Also see . . . Fort Davis: Frontier Post. National Park Service

A key post in the defense system of western Texas, Fort Davis played a major role in the history of the Southwest. From 1854 until 1891, troops stationed at the post protected emigrants, freighters, mail coaches, and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road hoping to reach the gold fields of California. Today, Fort Davis is considered one of the best remaining examples of a frontier military post in the American Southwest. It is a vivid reminder of the significant role played by the military in the settlement and development of the western frontier. Named for Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, the fort was
Photographed By James Hulse, March 13, 2023

2. The Commanding Officer's Quarters and Marker
The marker is located on the right side of the walkway to the house.
first garrisoned by Lieutenant Colonel Washington Seawell and six companies of the Eighth U.S. Infantry. The post was located in a box canyon near Limpia Creek on the eastern side of the Davis Mountains--where wood, water, and grass were plentiful. From 1854 to 1861, troops of the Eighth Infantry spent much of their time in the field pursuing Comanches, Kiowas, and Apaches.

(Submitted on March 20, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Inside view of the bedroom in the Commanding Officer's Quarters image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 13, 2023

3. Inside view of the bedroom in the Commanding Officer's Quarters

Inside view of the Living Room in the Commanding Officer's Quarters image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 13, 2023

4. Inside view of the Living Room in the Commanding Officer's Quarters

The main view of the Commanding Officer's Quarters image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 13, 2023

5. The main view of the Commanding Officer's Quarters

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 21, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.