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Fort McKavett LbNA #45368

Owner:Baby Bear
Plant date:Jan 17, 2009
Location:
City:Fort McKavett
County:Menard
State:Texas
Boxes:1
Found by: Heycbug
Last found:Jan 14, 2012
Status:FFFa
Last edited:Jan 17, 2009
Difficulty: Easy
Distance to Minibox: 1/4 mile

Status of Minibox: Alive and Well

*** Old West Fort Series ***

The "Fort McKavett" Minibox is located in Fort McKavett State Historical Park. The fort is partially restored, thus you can see how it use to look plus ruins of the original fortress. There is a fee to enter the park, and much to see. Fort McKavett was established March 14, 1852 on a high bluff on the right bank of the San Saba River, near its source (there is a spring you can go view). This post was a part of the frontier defense line to protect against indians. It was established by Major Pitcairn Morrison (8th US Infantry) and originally called Camp San Saba. Later it was named in honor of Captain Henry McKavett (8th US Infantry) who was killed on September 21, 1846 at the Battle of Monterrey. The post was abandoned on March 22, 1859 by order of Brigadier General David E. Twiggs and the garrison transferred to Camp Cooper. The Confederacy occupied the fort during the Civil War, but after the war ended the Federal troops returned on April 1, 1868. The post was in disrepair, and was rebuilt under direction of Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie (41st US Infantry). It was abandoned on June 30, 1883, and many of the building were occupied by local town people until the state acquired the land refurbished many of the building back to their original desin. Of the many troops that occupied the fort, the Buffalo Soldiers 9th & 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry served at the post. One of these men, Sgt. Emmanuel Stance, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service at the Fort.

Directions:
From Junction, go west on I-10 until Hwy 1674. Exit and go right on Hwy 1674 until you reach Hwy 864. The park is just ahead. Enter and park

To the Minibox:
Go to Office (Post Hospital) and pay fee and get map. Walk around the fort buildings and parade ground. Then go back toward parking are and off to the right to picnic area. Find the "Hiking Trai" and take it. Walk to the quarry and lime kiln, then on down to the springs. Check out the interpretive sign and the spring. Walk back toward trail up to kiln, but go right on the Nature trail for 11 steps. Go right on rock trail to the circle of rocks that outline what was probably the beginning of the spings. Facing the circle, look left for the biggest tree. Walk 13 steps to this tree. Box is on the back side, under a rock pile.