Fredericksburg in Gillespie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Dragoons

Photographed by James Hulse, June 9, 2024

1. Dragoons Marker

Inscription. In February, 1849, two months after Captain Seth Eastman's infantry company established Fort Martin Scott, Company B of the Second Dragoon Regiment rode into camp from San Antonio. The dragoons were there to help the infantry build the post and secure the area around Fredericksburg. Dragoons were highly valued on the frontier as soldiers, specially trained to fight on foot as infantrymen as well as on horseback as cavalry. A dragoon regiment comprised several companies, each made up of three commissioned officers, four sergeants, four corporals and fifty privates, totaling sixty-one men.

For the dragoons, reveille cut the morning air everyday at 0530 (5:30 a.m.) followed by a stable call at 0535. For men in the dragoons, their horses came first. Breakfast for the men was served at 0630 after the horses had been fed and watered. The rest of the day was filled with endless inspections and drills in which the soldiers practiced horsemanship and cavalry maneuvers. Only occasionally did a patrol or escort duty provide a break in the monotony.

After an exhausting day on horseback, the men were served supper at 1830 (6:30 p.m.) and the bugler blew Taps at 2100 (9 p.m.) signaling the close of another long day in the Army on a frontier post.

Captions
Reveille, by Lee Casbeer
Stable, by Lee

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Casbeer

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Forts and Castles. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1849.

Location. 30° 14.921′ N, 98° 50.765′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Texas, in Gillespie County. It is on East Main Street (U.S. 290) south of Industrial Loop. Marker is located within the Fort Martin Scott parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1618 E Main St, Fredericksburg TX 78624, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); Peace with the Indians (a few steps from this marker); Fort Martin Scott Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Martin Scott: Frontier Army Post (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); The Natural Setting (within shouting distance of this marker); The Zodiac Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Pinta Trail (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

More about this marker. Fort Martin Scott is a restored United States Army outpost in Fredericksburg, Texas, that was active from 1848 until 1853. It was part of a line of frontier forts established to protect travelers

The Dragoons Marker along the trail in the fort image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 9, 2024

2. The Dragoons Marker along the trail in the fort

and settlers within Texas. This marker is somewhat weathered and difficult to read.

Also see . . . From a Former Army Base to Texas Historical Site. Fort Martin Scott Organization

Between 1870 and 1959, the Braeutigam folks bought the former army installation. Johabb Wolfgang Braeutigam had moved from the Kaltenlengsfeld district of Germany, with his folks, and advanced toward Indianola in 1845. He and his significant other chose to settle in Fredericksburg with their 9 youngsters. In 1870, the Braeutigam moved into the former army base, after soldiers deserted it and utilized it as a farm. On 3rd September 1884, Johann Braeutigam was murdered in a theft involving 4 individuals who were after Biergarten’s cash box. The Braeutigam family later sold the property to Fredericksburg City.

Some of the remarkable highlights of the former army base include: the quarters for the post commander which previously acted as the Braeutigam garden, 6 structures of troops’ houses, sutler’s warehouse and store, pastry kitchen with a stove, laundry, emergency military clinic, 3 sets of battalions for enlisted troops, quartermaster’s warehouse, a blacksmith store, and shed-fused stable. The watch house is presently the station’s only surviving structure after it was restored to mirror its underlying design of cut limestone, during the beginning of the 1900s.

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(Submitted on July 20, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.