A Virtual Tour of Fort Davis, Texas

Located in what was originally an enlisted men’s barracks, the visitor center contains a small bookstore and temporary exhibits. Entry permits can be obtained here, along with information on the various buildings, programs, and activities. A museum is adjacent and an auditorium offers an orientation video.

The south end of this restored barracks houses cavalry, infantry, artillery, and transportation exhibits. The north end contains a squad room and orderly room and is furnished to offer a glimpse into the summer of 1884 when it was occupied by Buffalo Soldiers of Troop H, Tenth Cavalry. Iron bunks, footlockers, carbine racks, clothing, and accoutrements in the squad room help to tell the story of the men who served here. The orderly room served as the office for the troop’s first sergeant.

Located on the San Antonio-El Paso Road, this large structure contained food supplies for the garrison. While enlisted men received rations, officers and civilian employees could purchase food products at cost plus transportation. The commissary sergeant’s office and the issue room are refurnished. The office occupied by the Acting Commissary of Subsistence (the officer in charge of the commissary office) contains interpretive exhibits.

Officer’s Kitchen and Servant’s Quarters

This two-room refurnished structure was the kitchen and servant’s quarters for Officer’s Quarters No. 12. The building was separate from the main house primarily because of the danger of fire. Extreme summer heat and unpleasant cooking odors were contributing factors.

Post Hospital

Built in 1876, this was the permanent hospital of the second Fort Davis. With the addition of a second ward in 1884, the post hospital could accommodate up to twenty-four patients. It was normally staffed by a post surgeon, hospital steward, soldier-nurses, a cook or cooks, and a matron. The post surgeon rarely performed surgery. Soldiers suffered mainly from diseases and accidental injuries, not battle wounds. The building has a central walkway with interpretive signs at each of the rooms.

Constructed by 1869, this building served as the residence for post commanders until 1891 Because of the extensive documentation available on Colonel Benjamin H. Grierson, Tenth Cavalry, and his family, the building is furnished to the period 1882-1885 when Grierson served as post commander.

This structure was built for a captain in May 1882, but because of a shortage of housing, it was soon designated a shared quarters. It is refurnished as if a bachelor lieutenant was living on the north side and a married lieutenant occupied the south half.

The foundations of several structures of the first Fort Davis (1854-1862) are located behind Officers’ Row and west of the Post Hospital. Many of these buildings were constructed of pine slabs with thatched roofs. Wooden signs identify them.