Fort Stockton in Pecos County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Old Fort Cemetery

By William F Haenn, April 10, 2015

1. Old Fort Cemetery Marker

Inscription. Burial ground for soldiers stationed at Fort Stockton and for civilians in the little town that grew up around the post. The fort was established 1859; temporarily closed 1861-1867.

Troops here protected the San Antonio-San Diego mail line and quelled Indian raids into Mexico on the infamous Comanche Trail.

This cemetery testifies to the hardships of frontier life: no headstone was erected for a person over 40. In 1888 (after the fort was permanently closed in 1886), remains of the 56 soldiers buried here were moved to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3731.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Forts or Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the San Antonio-El Paso Road series list.

Location. 30° 53.502′ N, 102° 52.683′ W. Marker is in Fort Stockton, Texas, in Pecos County. Marker is at the intersection of North Water Street and East 8th Street, on the left when traveling north on North Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Stockton TX 79735, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oil and Gas Industry in Pecos County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Stockton Officers' Quarters

Old Fort Cemetery image. Click for full size.

By William F Haenn, April 10, 2015

2. Old Fort Cemetery

(approx. ¼ mile away); Fort Stockton Guard House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hovey School (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); O. W. Williams (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of Comanche Springs (approx. half a mile away); Koehler's Saloon and Store (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Stockton.

More about this marker. Site entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Old Fort Cemetery National Register plaque image. Click for full size.

By William F Haenn, April 10, 2015

3. Old Fort Cemetery National Register plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 11, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.