Fort Griffin State Historic Site Visitor Center

Albany, Texas

Fort Griffin, now a Texas State Historic Site, was a US Cavalry fort established in 1867 by four companies of the Sixth Cavalry, U.S. Army as a base from which raids against the Comanche and Kiowa tribes were performed. These operations were considered essential to extending the range of non-indigenous settlers, and also provided protection to the large ranch owners who would drive cattle through area, north to Dodge City, Kansas. Combined with the exter­mination of the buffalo, the forts in north Texas were very successful.

The site includes 205 acres at the top of a hill overlooking the Brazos River. It only operated from 1867 to1879 but left a lasting imprint on the surrounding area. The new visitor center, toilets and large shaded interpretive court are designed to handle large and small groups as well as astronomers who use the grounds for research due to the low level of skylight pres­ent at night. The large covered entry court forms a gateway between the parking area and the parade ground.

Services

Architecture