Spanning 82 acres in the Pecos River valley, Fort Lancaster and Battlefield State Historic Site commemorates the vestiges of one of several posts established in the 1850s that played an important role in westward expansion by providing escorts for mail carriers, wagon trains, and settlers on the San Antonio–El Paso Road en route to California. In 1867, Fort Lancaster became the only U.S. Army fort in Texas to be directly attacked by Native Americans, when Buffalo Soldiers of Company K, 9th Cavalry, successfully defended the site against an attack by more than 900 Kickapoo, Comanche, Apache, and renegades. Today, visitors wander through ruins imagining the once-impressive establishment of over 30 permanent buildings—including a blacksmith shop, hospital, sutler’s store, and bakery—and enjoy the sights, sounds, and wildlife of West Texas.
Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tickets
Adult $5
Senior/Veteran/Teacher/First Responder $3
Child (6-17) $2
Child (5 and under) Free
Family (2 adults & 1 child) $8, each additional child $1
Programs
School Tours
Group Tours
See the site
Plan Your Visit
At Fort Lancaster and Battlefield State Historic Site, visitors can tour the remnants of a 19th-century military fort that at one time had over 30 structures.
Fort Lancaster History
After the Mexican War (1846-1848), the U.S. Army was charged with the defense of settlements and with the protection of travelers through Western Texas.
Support the Fort Lancaster Company
Fort Lancaster Company is a "Fiscally Sponsored Project" of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission (a 501(C)(3) nonprofit charitable organization). Your gift will directly support this organization.
Events at Fort Lancaster and Battlefield
Reveille to Taps
Thursday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.Explore the pivotal role of the snare drum and the influence of field music. Hear the very rhythms that dictated the life of a soldier stationed on a frontier army post. Contact Fort Lancaster at: 432-836-4391 for more information.
A Soldier's Life
Thursday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.Visit for a hands on experience of Soldier's equipment from the 1800s at Fort Lancaster Thursdays from 1pm to 4pm. Contact Fort Lancaster at: 432-836-4391 for more information.
Frontier Firearms
Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.Step back in time and explore the evolution of firearms that shaped life on the Texas frontier! Frontier Firearms showcases a display of rifles, muskets, carbines, and sidearms used from the 1850s through World War I. Discover how technological innovations transformed the tools of survival, defense, and warfare on the edge of the American frontier. Join us at Fort Lancaster and Battlefield State Historic Site for an up-close look at authentic weapons, historical interpretations, and engaging discussions about how these firearms influenced this transformative era in U.S. history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, collector, or simply curious about the frontier experience, this program offers a fascinating glimpse into the firepower that helped forge the West.
Fort Lancaster and Battlefield in the Blog
Explore the THC's Frontier Forts
Discover the forts and other attractions awaiting visitors out on West Texas.
Support Our Historic Sites
Make a gift to the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the historic sites of the THC.
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