Ft. Richardson State Park & Historic Site

I decided to to a web search for things to do in this area. We had spend a few days catching up on laundry, shopping and cleaning and wanted to get out for a day.

I found Ft. Richardson State Park & Historic Site in Jacksboro, TX which is about 20 miles from where we are currently parked. Sounded like it might be interesting so off we went.

I can't say the drive was scenic, not after three months of wonderfully scenic driving in Colorado and New Mexico. If you like an occasional rolling hill, prickly pear cactus and mesquite trees, you will love this area!

We arrived at Ft. Richardson and went in the small welcome/registration center. This park not only is home to a historic fort, but also has camping and day use areas. A word for our rv'ing friends. This is one state park that I'll remember if we get back this way. Nice paved roads and all the campsite are paved. You have your choice of four different campsites besides the primitive tent area. There are campsites with w/e for $20 per day, campsites with w/e/s for $22.00 per day, campsites with full h/u + a screened shelter for $24.00 per day and campsites with w/e + a screened shelter for $22.00 per day. The screened shelter are actually a wood enclosure with lots of windows and screened area. The host said that a lot of people come in their camper and put the kids in the shelters on cots, sleeping bags etc. Sounded good to me!

Back to the fort - There are approximately four to six original building still standing here. There are also several reconstructed buildings. The fort was established in 1867 with the last building, the hospital, being finished in 1870. The fort and it's inhabitants have a very interesting history which spans several years and involves many Indian tribes. Some information about the history of the fort is available at http://en.widipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Richardson,_Texas and at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us./spdest/findadest/parks/fort_richardson/

We toured the interpretive center which had several cases with artifacts and old pictures. We then toured the hospital and where we had a guide who was very knowledgeable about the building and a lot of the equipment in the doctors office. He also had several interesting stories to tell.

There was supposed to be a wagon train gathering at mid-afternoon, so we took a break and went to town for some lunch. Dairyland Cafe was recommended as having great BBQ and we were not disappointed. Dean had the ribs and I had the brisket. It was delicious.

Arriving back at the park, we looked for the wagons, but couldn't find any. We went to the Commanding Officers Quarters to tour it and where told that there wouldn't be any wagon train today. We were disappointed, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the rest of the day.

We were given a guided tour of the Officers Quarters and it also included some history and stories. There had been five Officers Quarters and sometimes 2 or 3 families would share one house. If you were a Jr. Officer and someone higher ranking arrived, you had to move to a tent - ugh! Even the enlisted had wooden barracks!

We finished our day by driving through the campground at the state park. As I mentioned, it was very nice.

I've posted a few pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos

Till next time ----