Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Camp Mabry

By Keith Peterson, July 8, 2007

1. Camp Mabry Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The original 85-acre tract (gift of Austin citizens in 1892) was the site of annual encampments for the Texas Volunteer Guard, an elite militia constituted in 1876. Because larger maneuver, parade, and drill areas were needed, the guardsmen worked actively to acquire more land. With state and federal purchases, the camp at its largest consisted of over 430 acres.

By vote of guardsmen, the camp was named in 1898 for Adjutant General Woodford Haywood Mabry (1856-1899), who provided forceful leadership for the militia.

In 1914 (after the National Guard was created 1906) the State of Texas built an arsenal here for stores formerly held in the Capitol. This was a campsite for United States Army during the first World War, and was principal site until 1928 for annual guard encampments. During World War II, it was an ordnance engine rebuild station for the United States Army.

For many years, Texas Department of Public Safety patrolmen were trained at Camp Mabry; Texas Rangers had their training command here until 1953. This has been headquarters since 1954 for the state Adjutant General. Other post installations include Texas

Camp Mabry Marker, as seen from the direction of the road image. Click for full size.

By Michael Heinich, August 2, 2014

2. Camp Mabry Marker, as seen from the direction of the road

Shown from the direction of 35th Street minus the fence. It is in a field to the right of the closed main entrance.

Army National Guard state officer candidate school and the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office and Warehouse.

Erected 1972 by the State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 6465.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military.

Location. 30° 18.577′ N, 97° 45.634′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. Marker can be reached from West 35th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2210 W 35th St, Austin TX 78703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Major John B. Jones (here, next to this marker); William Steele (here, next to this marker); Adjutants General (here, next to this marker); Texas in the Civil War (here, next to this marker); Lilia and Josephine Casis (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Radkey House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Taylor Lime Kiln No. 1 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Seiders Oaks (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 995 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 23, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on August 2, 2014, by Michael Heinich of Austin, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.