Fort Holland (Texas)
Fort Holland is a former military base in Presidio County in the US state of Texas .
geography
Fort Holland is located in western Texas about 12 miles west of Valentine, Texas on the Viejo Pass immediately south of the Jeff Davis County border . The fort is 1,427 meters above sea level.
history
The fort was named after the JR Holland Ranch on whose territory it was built. The Viejo Pass was already frequently used by Indians in prehistoric times, as there was water and pastures here. The last Apache attack on Presidio County took place at Viejo Pass on June 12, 1880 , and a centennial marker was placed in the center of the fort by the State of Texas in 1936 to commemorate the event.
In 1914 a supply base, initially called Camp Holland, was built for the 8th US Cavalry, which was supposed to secure the border after the incursions of Mexican gangs into Texas. The camp consisted of two team barracks that could accommodate 400 soldiers, four officers' houses, a casino and a guard house. In addition to paddocks, there was a bakery, a forge and a shop, as well as a tailor's shop and a wash house. The buildings were made of stone or wood. In 1918 the camp was renamed Fort Holland and initially served as a supply base and replenishment store. On September 9, 1919, US cavalry units were stationed at the fort.
From 1921 the border controls were reduced, so that Fort Holland lost its importance. From January 1922, the fort's buildings were sold to private individuals, e.g. B. Texas Rangers, or Immigration Services, and the fort was abandoned in 1922.
Today the building complex is privately owned, the stone buildings are still standing, but are no longer habitable.
Individual evidence
- ^ Centennial Marker in Fort Holland
- ↑ Smith, Julia Cauble: CAMP HOLLAND In: Handbook of Texas Online. Published by the Texas State Historical Association
- ↑ More recent photo of the officers' houses
Web links